The Maryland State Arts Council’s Public Art Across Maryland Program has significantly expanded in the last five years, transforming from a modest $5K grant to one of the primary sources of funding for local public artworks in our state. In recognition of this, MSAC invites summit attendees to join us for a creative conversation, reflecting on the program’s impact to date, and how it can best serve artists and organizations in the future. We welcome prior applicants, grant recipients, artists, panelists, as well as those interested in pursuing public art for the first time, to share personal perspectives on the role of public art in their communities and the gaps and opportunities to bolster the sector through funding and other resources. After an introductory presentation from MSAC, the session will be live and interactive, encouraging dialogue and discussion amongst attendees.
Founded in 1967, The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is an agency of the State of Maryland’s Department of Commerce that plays an essential role, ensuring every person has access to the transformative power of the arts.
MSAC advances the arts in our state by providing leadership that champions creative expression, diverse programming, equitable access, lifelong learning, and the arts as a celebrated contributor to the quality of life for all the people of Maryland.
C. Ryan Patterson serves as MSAC’s Public Art Program Director. Ryan has been a part of MSAC’s staff since 2020 when he was hired as the Public Art Project Manager. He temporarily served as Arts Capital Coordinator, helping to develop the Arts Capital Grant program and administering the program through the first two grant cycles. In 2024, he was named Program Director for Public Art. He is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the state’s Percent for Art Commission program, staffing the Maryland Public Art Commission, and administering the Public Art Across Maryland grant programs with the support of Public Art team members.
Nora Howell joined MSAC in October 2023 and was formerly the Program Director of Jubilee Arts, as well as co-founder of the Art@Work mural program, working with the local community of west Baltimore. Nora is also an artist working in fiber and performance-based sculpture and has received artistic recognition including: Hamiltonian Fellow, 2018 Daily Record 40 under 40 VIP Awardee, and 2014 Sondheim Prize semi-finalist. In her art, Nora uses a mix of ceramics and soft sculpture to develop a visual language to illuminate and stimulate dialogue around themes of motherhood, racial identity, community, power, and privilege.
Tuesday, June 17th
Lunch & Learn Series: 1:30 – 2:30 PM
Room: CPA 110