PUBLIC INVITED TO REVIEW MARYLAND STATE ARTS COUNCIL'S
STRATEGIC PLAN IMAGINE MARYLAND
Draft posted online at www.msac.org
BALTIMORE (December 12, 2008) – The Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) invites public comment on the draft of its strategic plan – Imagine Maryland. The plan is available on line and comments will be accepted through January 15, 2009. To read the draft and submit comments go to www.msac.org and click on Strategic Plan/Imagine Maryland.
In April of 2008, the Arts Council began a broad-based, inclusive planning process to create a 5-year plan that reflects the diversity of Maryland, identifies opportunities and challenges, and shows how to best invest resources while ensuring stability, recognizing emerging arts initiatives, and inspiring universal participation and appreciation.
Input and information was gathered using various types of assessment tools including an internal data review, key leader interviews, a statewide public telephone survey, an advisory committee, on-line constituent surveys, regional meetings, and issue-based forums. Detailed notes and summaries from all meetings were posted on the Arts Council's website for public review.
After extensive data analysis by a planning consultant, Councilors and staff, a draft of Imagine Maryland was prepared and includes long-range strategic directions, each with goals and objectives, developed to help guide the Council's work in the coming years. The final plan will be released to the public in March 2009.
The Maryland State Arts Council is an agency of the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development, Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts and is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. In 2007, non-profit arts organizations and arts programs that received operating support from the State Arts Council contributed more than $1.2 billion to the State's economy and provided 15,000 jobs to Maryland residents.
For information on Imagine Maryland or the Arts Council, msac@msac.org or call (410) 767-6555 or TTY (410) 333-4519.
