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The arts in Maryland reflect the State's geographic and cultural
diversity from traditional Appalachian fiddle music in Western
Maryland and African-American quilting on the lower Eastern
Shore to experimental performance and media arts in metropolitan
Baltimore and areas surrounding Washington, DC. The arts
industry represents some $634 million in the State's economy,
fueled by an audience of nearly 10 million each year.
Maryland has arts institutions of national prominence, such
as the Baltimore Symphony. Regional interdisciplinary arts
institutions offer professional and amateur productions, and
over 30 schools and academies are devoted to training young
artists. Some, like Baltimore's School for the Arts (a public
high school) and the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins
University, give public performances.
Battle of North Point Monument (dedicated 1815) by Italian
sculptor Antonio Capellano, Calvert St. & Fayette St.,
Baltimore, Maryland June 2001. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Colleges and universities in Maryland host touring art exhibits,
dance and theater troupes, soloists, chamber music groups, and
orchestras. Among these are the Maryland Handel Festival at the
University of Maryland, College Park; the Distinguished Artist
Series of the U.S. Naval Academy; and art exhibits at the
Elizabeth Myers Mitchell Gallery, St. John's College, Annapolis.
Street scene, Cumberland, Maryland, May 2000. Photo by
Diane F. Evartt.
Through the Maryland State Arts Council, State
government supports the performing, visual and creative arts.
These include dance, drama, music drama, architecture, painting,
sculpture, graphics, crafts, photography, design, film,
television and creative writing. The Council also helps
administer the Arts-In-Education Program which funds
artists who work or hold workshops in public schools to
supplement the school curriculum. At the county level, local
arts councils are active. One example is the Queen Anne's County
Arts Council at Centreville. |
