Howard County Arts Council 

The Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) manages two galleries at the Howard County Center for the Arts with over 21,000 square feet of exhibit space. The HCAC gallery program was established to enhance the public's appreciation of the visual arts, provide a venue to exhibit the work of local, regional, and national artists in a professional space, and provide leadership in the arts by presenting a broad spectrum of arts in all media from both emerging and established artists.


HCAC presents 11-12 exhibits per year of national, regional, and local artists, including two-person, small and large group, juried, curated, and community shows. HCAC rarely exhibits solo shows.


For more information, view the General Exhibit Prospectus.


To apply, please submit the following:


1. Contact Information, including artist or curator name


2. 10-20 digital images representative of the work to be included in the exhibition. Files should be named to correspond to image list. Entries must be JPG or JPEG files, each no larger than 1 MB. If submitting time-based work, work must be submitted as .avi, .wav, .mov, or .m4a files. HCAC has limited technology for use in the gallery, so any special technology needs should be addressed in the proposal. The images should be named using the “LastName_FirstName_01.jpg” format, where the numbers (01, 02, 03, etc…) correspond directly to your image script.
3. Image List which contains artist's name, title, medium, year completed, and dimensions for each piece. The image list should correspond directly to your application images. So, if you have an image named “Doe_Jane_01.jpg” then your image script should have an entry for “01” with that image’s title, medium,
dimension, and date. The image script should be a Word document or PDF.
Do not send Powerpoint presentations, movies of any kind, or slide
shows.
4. Resume which lists education, exhibitions, awards, publications, etc.
5. Artist statement or description of your artistic goals and recent work.

Individual curators: in addition to the above, individual curators should include a brief description of the proposed exhibit and identify the artists invited to participate. Provide information describing your curatorial experience, organizational skills, and samples of written materials used to organize a previous show (letters, marketing, etc).


Organizations: In addition to the above, provide your organization's mission statement and describe your programs and services that meet that statement. Include a brief description of the proposed exhibit and state how it furthers your mission and goals.


Questions can be directed to Elli Maria Hernandez, Exhibits and Programs Manager at exhibits@hocoarts.org.

 
Creative Howard Grant Program Guidelines
       Grant activities must take place within this grant period, ending June 30, 2025; projects are not funded retroactively, please plan ahead.
FY25 Application Calendar

September 1, 2024: Grant applications available online (Rolling deadline based on funds available; applications due 60 days prior to proposed project start date.)
November 1, 2024: Earliest project start date for projects. (Applications submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the first day of the month will be reviewed that month; applications received after that will be reviewed the following month.)
April 1, 2025: Last deadline for FYE June 30, 2024.
       Final Report Due within 15 business days of project completion.
Creative Howard Overview
       The purpose of the Creative Howard grant program is to strengthen the vitality of the Howard County arts community and recognize the role of small nonprofit arts organizations and arts businesses in Howard County’s creative eco-system.
       The goals for Creative Howard are:
       · To increase access to the process of requesting grants to arts organizations and support needs in the arts community that may fall outside of the eligibility requirements of HCAC’s Community Arts Development grant program.
       · To provide small non-profit 501c3- designated arts organizations with a foundation to apply for future Community Arts Development grants.
       Creative Howard supports eligible activities of small arts organizations (both 501c3 nonprofit arts organizations and for- and nonprofit arts businesses) with grants up to $2,500. There is no matching fund requirement for Creative Howard grants. Applicants may receive funding for only one application per fiscal year (July 1-June 30).
Deadline
        The deadline for Creative Howard is rolling. The deadline to submit the application is the first day of each month at 11:59PM.  Applications will be reviewed monthly and Creative Howard grants will be awarded throughout the fiscal year until total funding allocated for the program is awarded.
       HCAC will begin accepting applications on September 1, 2024 for the FY25 application cycle. The grant period for FY25 ends June 30, 2025. Funded activities must occur within the grant period. HCAC does not fund projects in progress or completed before the grant application deadline.  Applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the proposed activities occur.
       The application process will be closed once funding allocated for the program is fully awarded and will only be reopened should new funding become available.
Eligibility
        Nonprofit arts organizations and arts businesses (see definitions below) located and operating in Howard County for at least one year prior to the application’s submission and throughout the funded project with an operating revenue of $100,000 or less (see application process below) are eligible to apply.
       Not eligible to apply are current FY25 HCAC grant recipients, Howard County governmental agencies, and organizations that receive direct funding from Howard County, such as, Howard County Public Schools, Howard County Recreation and Parks, Howard Community College.
       Eligibility:
       · Applicant must maintain their primary physical office and conduct at least 50% of all business operations, programs and activities in Howard County (i.e.: 50% of rehearsals, 50% of Board and committee meetings, 50% of performances, workshops, etc.). Corporate papers, such as the 990 and Personal Property Tax forms, letterhead, website, and program materials submitted must show primary office is located in the County.
       · Applicant must have one fully completed and documented fiscal year of operations as of the date of the application submission.
       · Applicant must produce or present arts programs, services or projects that are accessible to the public and relevant to its community (demonstrate need).


 

• Applicant may receive funding for one Creative Howard grant per fiscal year; the program may consist of a one-time activity or a series of related activities.
• A program is eligible for funding through Creative Howard if it supports an arts and/or cultural activity that is presented at a location in Howard County.
• Program activities must be open to the public with or without an admission fee, virtual programming is eligible.
• Program activities may include, but are not limited to, dance, design, folk and traditional arts, history exhibit  or historic reenactment, lectures or seminars, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual arts, and workshops. This list is not exhaustive and applicants are encouraged to think creatively about their programs.
• Program budget must be based on cash income and expense only.
• Program  expenses must be directly related to the artistic activities described in the application.

       Submission of an application constitutes an understanding and agreement of the conditions set forth in these guidelines.
       Please read the full guidelines, before starting the application. FY25 Creative Howard Guidelines.pdf Only successfully submitted, complete, on-line applications will be accepted and reviewed. Incomplete or hard copy applications will be disqualified.
       Arts Council staff is available to assist applicants with any questions about completing this application by mailing grantsandprojects@hocoarts.org.

 

The Howard County Arts Council is seeking applications from artists to fill one available resident artist studio space. The available studio is approximately 375 square feet, rents for $298.88 per month for Howard County residents or $359.38 per month for out of County residents and has shared access with another artist in an adjoining studio. The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM, Monday, September 30, 2024. 

HCAC houses accessible studio space for fourteen resident artists, as well as three resident arts organizations representing a variety of disciplines. Resident artists have 24-hour access, natural light, and easy access to water. Heat & utilities are included. 

Application

Applications must include the following:

1. Letter of Intent: In one page or less, provide a brief description of your work or project to be completed while in residence, your career direction, and why you should be awarded a residency at HCCA.
2. Up-to-date Resume: Three pages or less that lists education, background, exhibitions, awards, and/or publications.
3. Artist Statement: In one page or less, concisely describe your creative work, process, technique, and conceptual development.
4. Three Letters of Recommendation: Include references with the ability to speak to your character, responsibility, and contribution to community.
5. Up to 20 Images Created within the Last Two Years that represent your work: Include at least one video recording if applying for performance art or video work. Videos must not exceed five minutes in duration.
6. Image List: If available, include examples of printed materials such as articles, brochures, programs, and reviews.

If hard copies are submitted, a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of materials.

Benefits

General benefits include: semi-private studio (shared entry access), 24-hour access to designated studio, physical mailing address and mailbox at HCCA, affordable monthly rental rate, and location in a vibrant community arts center. 

Residents also receive a reduced rate and priority consideration for renting other spaces in the Center including the dance studio, black box theatre, conference room, and classrooms. 

Eligibility

Practicing artists who demonstrate a central commitment to the production or performance of fine arts. In some studios, practicing artists may also teach in their studio space. 

HCAC Board of Directors, full-time staff, HCAC Center Committee, and their immediate family are ineligible to apply.

Requirements

Artists granted studio space will be considered Resident Artists of the Howard County Center for the Arts.  

To hold a studio space at the Center, residents must, at a minimum, submit to the following:

• Resident visual artists are required to participate in the Residents' Exhibit at the HCCA, displaying recent work (created within two years prior to the exhibit), not previously shown in the gallery, for a six-week show. 
• Resident artists and arts organizations are required to be in attendance for up to four Council-scheduled, Open Studio special events per year when they must be present and open their studios for public viewing.
• Residents must use their studios a minimum of eight hours per week (annual average). Those eight hours must be used for the production, presentation or teaching of their art and not for other unrelated employment or activities. 
• Residents must pay the studio rent within five working days of the first of each month.
• Residents must maintain a $2,000,000 general liability insurance policy for their studio as well as coverage for the contents of their studio. 
• Residents must maintain a safe working environment in their studios and submit appropriate MSDS forms for hazardous materials in their studios. Furthermore, they are expected to practice a “good neighbor” policy, using the least harmful materials possible and keeping in mind not only their own health and safety, but also that of the Center community. Residents may be required to install proper ventilation units or other safety features for the use of some mediums.
• Residents offering classes, exhibits, or other public programs must be fully accessible.
• Residents must maintain annual membership with HCAC.
• Any changes to the studio must be approved by the HCAC Center Committee and residents must return the studio to its original condition when vacating. 

Selection

Applicants will be evaluated based on their artistic discipline, artistic merit, and commitment, as well as the appropriateness of their activities for the available space. In cases where all other elements of candidates’ qualifications are deemed of equal value, Howard County artists will be given priority.

Interested artists should submit a Studio Application to HCAC. When a studio is available, the HCAC Center Committee reviews all submissions and selects an artist or organization based on the above criteria. If no studios are available, applicants will be placed on a waiting list for future consideration.

Application

Complete applications will be forwarded to the selection panel for consideration.

For full information, please see RFP here.

All application materials may be submitted online to Howard County Arts Council by 11:59PM, September 30, 2024. Emailed, faxed or late applications will not be accepted. 

Questions regarding Submittable can be directed to exhibits@hocoarts.org.

Opportunity:
Howard County Arts Council seeks applicants for teaching artist positions/proposals for its 2025 Summer Camps. Proposals are now being accepted for nine weeks of week-long morning and afternoon visual and performing arts camp sessions from June 23 - August 22, 2025.

Qualified individuals are invited to submit proposals for youth camp sessions (grades K-7) in any performing or visual arts discipline. Youth camps are 1/2 day sessions (morning or afternoon) for a five-day week. Preference will be given to teaching artists who are able to offer both morning and afternoon sessions in any given week.

Howard County Arts Council (HoCo Arts) strives to offer students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities quality arts experiences and a chance to discover their unique creative talents. Priority will be given to proposals addressing the fundamentals of visual and performing arts. Sessions are canceled if enrollment is fewer than five students.

Teaching artists create a safe and supportive learning environment where students can feel comfortable taking risks and engaging in creative challenges. Individual attention and small class sizes (5-20 students) encourage participation and dialogue.

Duties & Responsibilities
 

• Develop age-appropriate curricula in cooperation with the Deputy Director and provide full weekly lesson plans in advance of the start of camp.
• Relate needs for supplies and equipment to the Camp Director by the assigned deadline.
• Attend required meetings & staff trainings, including mandatory Zoom call at 5pm on Wednesday, June 18.
• Prepare studio/classroom and collect supplies for class use. Return studio/classroom to the previous condition when camp is dismissed.
• Keep Deputy Director and Camp Director informed of any incidents, concerns, or issues regarding students, equipment, or space.

Compensation
HoCo Arts employs teaching artists as independent contractors. Contract teachers are paid according to the number of registrations per camps. Contract rates for camps are as follows (paid in full at the conclusion of the camp week): $25/hr for 5-10 students enrolled in the class, $30/hr for 11-15, and $35/hr for 16-20. A supply budget for up to $100 is provided.



If you have questions, please contact education@hocoarts.org or call 410-313-2787.

Individual Artist Merit and Creativity Overview- Music and Music Composition
        The purpose of the Individual Artist Merit and Creativity (IAM Creativity) award program is to recognize the role of individual artists in Howard County’s creative eco-system and strengthen the diversity and vitality of the Howard County arts community. 

The IAM Creativity program provides unrestricted funds to support the creative work of Howard County artists and to recognize excellence in dance, film, folk and traditional arts, literary arts, music, theatre, and visual arts disciplines. 

The goals for the IAM Creativity award program are to: 

• Recognize and support the creative work of individual artists; 
• Foster excellence, diversity, and vitality in the arts;  
• Expand public understanding of the impact that individual artists have on our local communities and economy; and 
• Acknowledge the many hours and personal resources artists dedicate to the pursuit of excellence and creativity in their artforms. 

 Over a four-year period, the IAM Creativity program will provide awards in seven different artistic disciplines, accepting applications for two  disciplines each year. A maximum of four (4) awards, including one (1) $5,000 and three (3) $1,000 awards, will be awarded in each discipline. The awards provide recipients with unrestricted funds to support their artistic practice, develop innovative ideas, and/or complete projects already underway. At the end of the award period, recipients must submit a statement describing the impact of the award.
 The IAM Creativity program is generously supported through a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.  

The Howard County Arts Council is accepting applications for the2025 Individual Artist Merit and Creativity(IAM Creativity) Award for the following discipline:

Music, Music Composition: This discipline includes, but is not limited to, music composition and music performance, either improvised or composed. Includes composers, instrumentalists, and vocalists and music disciplines such as band, chamber, choral, electronic, jazz, musical theatre, opera, popular, symphonic, sound compositions, among others. Also includes interdisciplinary or experimental work with music as the central expressive component.

Review Criteria  

IAM Creativity awards are competitive. Artists are encouraged to apply when they have a cohesive body of work that they are prepared to present in a professional manner. The applicant must be the primary artistic force behind the work. 

Applications are evaluated by an independent panel of artists and/or arts professionals with expertise and perspectives in the discipline being considered. The role of each panelist is to review and score each eligible application based on the materials submitted and the established criteria cited below:  

Concept  

The application and work samples demonstrate the applicant’s creative and original theories, ideas, interpretations and/or perceptions. (Up to 30 points) 

Cohesion 

The application and work samples demonstrate a clear and cohesive body of work. (Up to 20 points).  

Demonstrated Command of Form 

The application and work samples demonstrate the applicant’s exemplary technical capabilities within the chosen discipline. (Up to 20 points) 

Impact 1 

 The application and works samples demonstrate applicant’s creative practice has both sustained resonance, impact, or value. (Up to 15 points) 

Impact 2 

The application shows the potential to strengthen the diversity and vitality of Howard County’s arts ecosystem. (Up to 15 points)
 

Review Process  

Only complete applications successfully submitted online through Submittable will be accepted and reviewed. Once the application deadline passes, no alterations or additions may be made to the application, unless clarification is requested in writing by HCAC staff. Applicants must meet all revision deadlines, as specified in writing, or the application will be withdrawn. 

The IAM Creativity award program has a 3-step review process: 

Step 1: HCAC Staff Review 

• Initial review of applications for compliance with eligibility and submission requirements is made by HCAC staff. If staff detects issues, they may call upon applicants to clarify information, to furnish proof of eligibility, etc. Should an applicant be asked to clarify and/or revise their application, the applicant must meet all revision deadlines, as specified by staff, or the application will be withdrawn. 

Step 2: Artistic Review Panel 

• Each panelist reviews the applications and work samples on their own via Submittable through an anonymous review process in advance of the full panel meeting. 
• The full panel meets together via video conference or in a hybrid in-person-video conference configuration to discuss, score, and finalize  award recipients.  

Panels are strongly encouraged to score each application and recommend awards but reserve the right to decline to score and/or decline to make an award recommendation if they feel that an application, or the entire pool of applicants, does not warrant an award.  

To ensure that HCAC review panels are free from conflicts of interest and the appearance of such conflicts, panelists are required to disclose any current or prospective affiliations they or their immediate family members have with an actual or potential applicant. In addition, panelists are required to disclose any past or current adversarial relationships with applicants. Panelists are not permitted to participate in discussions or scoring of any applicant with whom they have an affiliation or conflict.  

Members of HCAC’s Committee on Grants and staff will be present during the full panel review to observe the process and/or answer any questions from the panel about the award process; however, they do not participate in the panel discussions.  

Step 3: HCAC Board Approval 

• The final panel scores are reviewed by the HCAC Committee on Grants and presented to the HCAC Board of Directors; approval of  awards rests with the HCAC Board of Directors. All award decisions of the HCAC Board of Directors are final.  

For Complete Guidelines and Instructions, Click Here

Individual Artist Merit and Creativity Overview- Film, New Media and Video Composition
        The purpose of the Individual Artist Merit and Creativity (IAM Creativity) award program is to recognize the role of individual artists in Howard County’s creative eco-system and strengthen the diversity and vitality of the Howard County arts community. 

The IAM Creativity program provides unrestricted funds to support the creative work of Howard County artists and to recognize excellence in dance, film, folk and traditional arts, literary arts, music, theatre, and visual arts disciplines. 

The goals for the IAM Creativity award program are to: 

• Recognize and support the creative work of individual artists; 
• Foster excellence, diversity, and vitality in the arts;  
• Expand public understanding of the impact that individual artists have on our local communities and economy; and 
• Acknowledge the many hours and personal resources artists dedicate to the pursuit of excellence and creativity in their artforms. 

 Over a four-year period, the IAM Creativity program will provide awards in seven different artistic disciplines, accepting applications for two  disciplines each year. A maximum of four (4) awards, including one (1) $5,000 and three (3) $1,000 awards, will be awarded in each discipline. The awards provide recipients with unrestricted funds to support their artistic practice, develop innovative ideas, and/or complete projects already underway. At the end of the award period, recipients must submit a statement describing the impact of the award.
 The IAM Creativity program is generously supported through a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.  

The Howard County Arts Council is accepting applications for the 2025 Individual Artist Merit and Creativity (IAM Creativity) Award for the following discipline:  

• Film, New Media, Video: This discipline includes, but is not limited to, original time-based audio, visual, and narrative forms.  Includes animation, film, video,  audio and video sound installations, among others. Also includes computer-generated, digital, and interdisciplinary or experimental work with time-based media as the central expressive component. 

Review Criteria  

IAM Creativity awards are competitive. Artists are encouraged to apply when they have a cohesive body of work that they are prepared to present in a professional manner. The applicant must be the primary artistic force behind the work. 

Applications are evaluated by an independent panel of artists and/or arts professionals with expertise and perspectives in the discipline being considered. The role of each panelist is to review and score each eligible application based on the materials submitted and the established criteria cited below:  

Concept  

The application and work samples demonstrate the applicant’s creative and original theories, ideas, interpretations and/or perceptions. (Up to 30 points) 

Cohesion 

The application and work samples demonstrate a clear and cohesive body of work. (Up to 20 points).  

Demonstrated Command of Form 

The application and work samples demonstrate the applicant’s exemplary technical capabilities within the chosen discipline. (Up to 20 points) 

Impact 1 

 The application and works samples demonstrate applicant’s creative practice has both sustained resonance, impact, or value. (Up to 15 points) 

Impact 2 

The application shows the potential to strengthen the diversity and vitality of Howard County’s arts ecosystem. (Up to 15 points)
 

Review Process  

Only complete applications successfully submitted online through Submittable will be accepted and reviewed. Once the application deadline passes, no alterations or additions may be made to the application, unless clarification is requested in writing by HCAC staff. Applicants must meet all revision deadlines, as specified in writing, or the application will be withdrawn. 

The IAM Creativity award program has a 3-step review process: 

Step 1: HCAC Staff Review 

• Initial review of applications for compliance with eligibility and submission requirements is made by HCAC staff. If staff detects issues, they may call upon applicants to clarify information, to furnish proof of eligibility, etc. Should an applicant be asked to clarify and/or revise their application, the applicant must meet all revision deadlines, as specified by staff, or the application will be withdrawn. 

Step 2: Artistic Review Panel 

• Each panelist reviews the applications and work samples on their own via Submittable through an anonymous review process in advance of the full panel meeting. 
• The full panel meets together via video conference or in a hybrid in-person-video conference configuration to discuss, score, and finalize  award recipients.  

Panels are strongly encouraged to score each application and recommend awards but reserve the right to decline to score and/or decline to make an award recommendation if they feel that an application, or the entire pool of applicants, does not warrant an award.  

To ensure that HCAC review panels are free from conflicts of interest and the appearance of such conflicts, panelists are required to disclose any current or prospective affiliations they or their immediate family members have with an actual or potential applicant. In addition, panelists are required to disclose any past or current adversarial relationships with applicants. Panelists are not permitted to participate in discussions or scoring of any applicant with whom they have an affiliation or conflict.  

Members of HCAC’s Committee on Grants and staff will be present during the full panel review to observe the process and/or answer any questions from the panel about the award process; however, they do not participate in the panel discussions.  

Step 3: HCAC Board Approval 

• The final panel scores are reviewed by the HCAC Committee on Grants and presented to the HCAC Board of Directors; approval of  awards rests with the HCAC Board of Directors. All award decisions of the HCAC Board of Directors are final.  

For Complete Guidelines and Instructions, Click Here

OPPORTUNITY:

 Howard County Arts Council seeks applicants for teaching artist positions for its upcoming Winter & Spring 2024 Class Sessions during the following dates.
Winter 2024 Class Dates: January 18 - March 16, 2025
Proposals due November 1, 2024


Spring 2024 Class Dates: April 5 - June 7, 2025
Proposals due February 3, 2025

 Qualified individuals are invited to submit proposals for youth and/or adult courses and workshops in any performing or visual arts discipline.

 Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) strives to offer students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities quality arts experiences and a chance to discover their unique creative talents. HCAC is seeking qualified arts instructors to propose classes and workshops for the upcoming session. Priority will be given to proposals addressing the fundamentals of visual and performing arts. Classes/Workshops may be scheduled anytime during normal building hours, from one to four hours, during the designated session dates. Classes/Workshops are canceled if enrollment is fewer than five students.

 Winter & Spring building hours at the Howard County Center for the Arts are: Monday – Thursday, 9am – 10pm; Friday, 9am – 8pm; Saturday, 10am – 4pm; Sunday, 12 – 4pm.

 Teaching artists create a safe and supportive learning environment where students can feel comfortable taking risks and engaging in creative challenges. Individual attention and small class sizes encourage participation and dialogue.


 DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

 

• Develop appropriate curricula in cooperation with the Deputy Director.
• Relate needs for supplies and equipment to the Education Coordinator by the assigned deadline.
• Attend required meetings.
• Prepare studio/classroom and collect supplies for class use/ return studio/classroom to its previous condition when class is dismissed.
• Keep Deputy Director informed of any incidents, concerns, or issues regarding students, equipment, or space.

 COMPENSATION
 HCAC employs teaching artists as independent contractors.  Contract teachers are paid according to the number of registrations per class.

 Classes can be 2-3 hours each and run for either 4 or 8 weeks. Contract rates for classes are as follows (half payable halfway into the term and the remaining half payable at the end of the term):   $25/hr for 5-11 students enrolled in the class, $30/hr for 12-16, and $35/hr for 17+.  A supply budget for up to $100 is provided for youth classes.

 Workshops can be 2-4 hours each and should run only once per session cycle. Contract rates for workshops are as follows: $35/hr for 6-15 students enrolled in the workshop, $40/hr for 16+.  Supply budgets and workshop pricing are decided on a case-by-case basis by the Deputy Director.


If you have any questions, please contact education@hocoarts.org.