Howard County Arts Council 

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 22 - August 21, 2026. Proposals are due November 1, 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 Art Center 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 Art Center 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.

The Howard County Arts Council (HoCo Arts) manages two galleries at the Howard County Center for the Arts with over 21,000 square feet of exhibit space. The HoCo Arts 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.

HoCo Arts presents 11-12 exhibits per year of national, regional, and local artists, including two-person, small and large group, juried, curated, and community shows. HoCo Arts 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. HoCo Arts 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 slideshows.
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 Jonah Brock, Exhibits and Programs Assistant at exhibits@hocoarts.org.

OPPORTUNITY:

     Howard County Arts Council seeks applicants for teaching artist positions for its upcoming Spring 2026 Class Sessions during the following dates.

Spring 2026 Class Dates: April 11 - June 6, 2026
Proposals due February 2, 2026

     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 (HoCo Arts) strives to offer students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities quality arts experiences and a chance to discover their unique creative talents. HoCo Arts 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.

     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 Art Center Director.
• Relate needs for supplies and equipment to the Education and Programs Assistant 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 Art Center 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 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 Art Center Director.


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

The Howard County Arts Council is seeking applications from artists to fill up to ten resident artist studio spaces at our new location at the Historic Courthouse in Old Ellicott City. The size   of available studios range from approximately 90-350 square feet and rent for $72.38-$281.46 per month for Howard County residents or $87.75-$341.25 per month for out of County residents The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM, Monday, September 15, 2025. 

Our new space at the Historic Courthouse will house accessible studio space for eighteen resident studio artists, as well as three resident arts organizations representing a variety of disciplines. Resident artists will have 24-hour access, natural light, and easy access to water. Utilities and public wi-fi 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.
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 which speak to your character, responsibility, and contribution to community and provide at least one financial reference who can speak to your ability to pay bills on time.
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, link to YouTube or Vimeo preferred. Videos must not exceed five minutes in duration, if the video is longer, please provide a cue to start.  If a cue is not provided, only the first 5 minutes will be reviewed.
6. Image List: Typed list of images which include title of artwork, media, size, and date created. If available, include digital examples of printed materials such as articles, brochures, programs, and reviews submitted in pdf form, not to exceed 10 pages.

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

Benefits

General benefits include: private studio, 24-hour access to designated studio, physical mailing address and mailbox, affordable monthly rental rate, and location in a vibrant community arts center in the heart of Old Ellicott City. 

Residents also receive a reduced rate and priority consideration for renting other spaces in the HoCo Arts Center including the dance studio, black box theatre, multi-purpose 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. 

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

Requirements

Applicants granted studio space will be considered HoCo Arts Resident Studio Artists.  

To hold a HoCo Arts Resident Artist studio space, artists must, at a minimum, fulfill the following:

• Resident Studio Artists are required to participate in the Residents' Exhibit, displaying recent work (created within two years prior to the exhibit), not previously shown in the gallery, for a six-week show. 
• Resident Studio Artists are required to be in attendance for up to five HoCo Arts-scheduled Open Studio special events per year when they must be present and open their studios for public viewing.
• Resident Studio Artists must use their studios for 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 $1,000,000 general liability insurance policy for their studio as well as coverage for the contents of their studio. 
• Resident Studio Artists must maintain a safe working environment in their studios and submit and keep current 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.
• Resident Studio Artists offering classes, exhibits, or other public programs must be fully accessible.
• Residents Studio Artists must maintain annual membership with HoCo Arts.
• Any physical changes to the studio, which includes painting, must be approved by the HoCo Arts Center Committee and the County, residents must return the studio to its original condition when vacating. 

Selection

The HoCo Arts Center Committee will review and evaluate applications based on their artistic discipline, artistic merit and commitment, as well as the appropriateness of their activities for the available space.  A key objective of the program is to have a variety of styles, viewpoints and media represented in the studio program and the Committee will consider the current make-up of Resident Studio Artists during the review process.  In cases where all other elements of applicants’ qualifications are deemed of equal value, Howard County residents will be given priority.

 The HoCo Arts Center Committee will review and rank eligible submissions in October and select finalists to tour the new building in October/November.  The finalists will provide their top three studio choices, and the Committee will finalize the selection process and assign studios.  

Application

Only eligible and complete applications will be forwarded to the HoCo Arts Center Committee for consideration.
 

For full information, please see RFP here.

All application materials must be submitted online by 11:59PM, September 15, 2025. Mailed, emailed, faxed or late applications will not be accepted. Email by Monday, September 8, 2025, for application assistance and accommodations. 

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

The Howard County Arts Council is seeking a non-profit 501(c)(3) arts organization to work in residence at our new location at the Historic Courthouse in Old Ellicott City. The size of the available space is approximately 280 square feet and rents for $225.17 per month. Applicants will be considered by the HoCo Arts Center Committee. The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM, Monday, September 15, 2025.

Our new space at the Historic Courthouse will house accessible studio space for eighteen resident studio artists, as well as three resident arts organizations representing a variety of disciplines. Resident artists will have 24-hour access, natural light, and easy access to water. Utilities and public wi-fi are included. 

Application

Applications must include the following:

Letter of Intent, including: 

• Mission statement, artistic goals, brief history of organization and activities, and administrative structure.
• Your organization’s interest in becoming a resident.
• The type of public activities/involvement your organization would bring to HoCo Arts and how these activities benefit HoCo Arts and the community as well as how these activities fit into your organization’s mission and goals. Your organization’s history regarding conducting similar activities.
• How your organization would use the space for administrative purposes in support of your mission and goals.    
• Number of hours a week the organization would use the space for both activities and administrative purposes.

IRS letter of tax-exempt status

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

Benefits

General benefits include: private office space, 24-hour access to designated office space, physical mailing address and mailbox, affordable monthly rental rate, and location in a vibrant community arts center in the heart of Old Ellicott City. 

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

Eligibility

Applicant organizations must:

• Be incorporated and recognized by the IRS as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
• Demonstrate a central commitment to the production or performance of fine arts. Arts organizations may also teach in their studio. 
• Offer art programs/activities that are fully accessible to the public
• Agree to hold regular studio hours of no less than 20 hours a week in their space and have a working office phone

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

Requirements

Applicants granted studio space will be considered HoCo Arts Resident Studio Artists.

To hold a HoCo Arts studio office space, Resident Organizations must, at a minimum, fulfill the following:

• Resident Arts Organizations are required to be in attendance for up to five HoCo Arts -scheduled Open Studio special events per year when they must be present and open their studios for public viewing.
• Resident Arts Organizations must use their studios for a minimum of twenty hours per week (minimum). Those twenty hours must be used for the production, presentation, administration or teaching of their art and not for other unrelated employment or activities. 
• Resident Arts Organizations must pay the studio rent within five working days of the first of each month.
• Resident Arts Organizations must maintain a $1,000,000 general liability insurance policy for their studio as well as coverage for the contents of their studio. 
• Resident Arts Organizations must maintain a safe working environment in their studios and submit and keep current 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. 
• Resident Arts Organizations offering classes, exhibits, or other public programs must be fully accessible.
• Residents Arts Organizations must maintain annual membership with HoCo Arts.
• Any physical changes to the studio, which includes painting, must be approved by the HoCo Arts Center Committee and the County, residents must return the studio to its original condition when vacating. 

Selection

The HoCo Arts Center Committee will review and evaluate applications based on their artistic discipline, artistic merit and commitment, as well as the appropriateness of their activities for the available space.  A key objective of the program is to have a variety of styles, viewpoints and media represented in the studio program and the Committee will consider the current make-up of Resident Arts Organizations during the review process.  In cases where all other elements of applicants’ qualifications are deemed of equal value, Howard County residents will be given priority.

Interested organizations should submit a Studio Application to HoCo Arts. When a studio is available, the HoCo Arts 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

Only eligible and complete applications will be forwarded to the HoCo Arts Center Committee for consideration.
 

For full information, please see RFP here.

All application materials must be submitted online by 11:59PM, September 15, 2025. Mailed, emailed, faxed or late applications will not be accepted. Email by Monday, September 8, 2025, for application assistance and accommodations. 

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

FY26 Mark Ryder Original Choreography Grant Guidelines

General Information The Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) is a private, nonprofit 501c3 organization established to enrich and serve our community by fostering the arts, artists, and arts organizations. HCAC is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors whose members are elected to two terms.  

 Mark Ryder was an established dancer, choreographer and leader in the dance community. He danced alongside Martha Graham in the 1940s until founding the Dance Drama Duo, later called the Dance Drama Company, with Emily Frankel. Mr. Ryder went on to teach dance in the 1960s at Goddard College in Vermont before becoming chairman of the dance department for two years at University of Maryland, College Park in 1974, and retired from teaching in 1988. After moving to Howard County in 1975, Mr. Ryder also became very involved in choreographing local productions in his community. He passed away in July 2006 and is survived by his wife and family who wish to honor his legacy by offering an annual competitive grant award in the minimum amount of $500 to choreographers through the Howard County Arts Council. Mr. Ryder believed individual expression is the most important part of the creative process for both choreographer and dancer and that more is learned through being a part of the process and actively participating in it than by simply being taught the movements or viewing the final product.
 

HCAC Responsibilities 

· Develop procedures for submission and funding of proposals.

· Review and evaluate proposals for grants funds.

· Select recipients and grant awards.

 The Mark Ryder Original Choreography Grant will honor his vision/philosophy. HCAC staff is available to provide technical assistance in completing grant applications. Call 410-313-2787.

Purpose of the Grants Program   • The Mark Ryder Original Choreography Grant Program was  established, at the bequest of his family, to recognize individual  creative expression and to provide financial assistance to  choreographers to create a new original work.  Re-interpretation of an  existing work is NOT considered an original work.  • To broaden opportunities for artists and encourage and sustain their  pursuit of artistic excellence.  • If the project is realized, the applicant is encouraged, not required, to present the work in Howard County, live or recorded.
 

For Complete Guidelines, Click Here: FY26 MROC Guidelines.pdf