Program Description

  Arts and Humanities Council

This NDA provides funding for the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County (AHCMC), the County's designated local arts agency. Taxpayer support of the AHCMC includes general operating grants to arts and humanities organizations; program grants to arts and humanities organizations not receiving general operating support; project grants to individuals, scholars, groups, or small organizations; technical assistance and other support services for individuals and other organizations in the County; matching funds for awardees designated to match private donations; and operating expenses for AHCMC. The County's contribution is implemented by a contract between the Department of Recreation and AHCMC.

Since 1976, AHCMC has been the County's designated local arts agency. The AHCMC, in partnership with the community, cultivates and supports excellence in the arts and humanities, expands access to cultural expression, and contributes to economic vitality in the region. AHCMC provides leadership that sustains arts and humanities organizations, artists and scholars, and inspires participation in our County's cultural assets. Through its programs and services, AHCMC provides the infrastructure and support necessary to maintain a robust creative community that includes over 500 cultural organizations and 2,000 artists and scholars. AHCMC annually distributes grants to organizations and individuals to help fund enriching cultural activities in our County (www.creativemoco.com/grants/grants-awarded). AHCMC is headquartered in Silver Spring and receives support from the Maryland State Arts Council, corporations, organizations and individuals.

Funding for maintenance of public art is allocated in the Public Arts Trust Capital Improvements Program (CIP) project.