The Teaching Artist Roster from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is a curated list of Maryland-based teaching artists with proven experience in providing group or classroom arts instruction and performances in educational settings. Being included on the roster allows artists to apply for school and community-based grants through the Arts in Education (AiE) Grant Program, although roster membership does not guarantee funding. The roster aims to promote and support high-quality arts education opportunities throughout Maryland.
Independent artists interested in joining the roster must meet specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must have been Maryland residents for at least six months prior to applying, be 18 years or older, and remain residents for the duration of any AiE grant-supported activities. Collaborative groups or ensembles can apply, provided that at least 50% of the group’s members meet the residency requirement. Individuals enrolled in high school, undergraduate, or graduate programs are not eligible.
Organizations may also apply to have their teaching artists included on the roster. Eligible organizations include Maryland-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, government units, or institutions within the University System of Maryland. These organizations must have completed at least one fiscal year of documented arts activities. Each teaching artist associated with an organization must submit a separate application for consideration.
Roster membership provides significant benefits to teaching artists by enhancing visibility and granting eligibility to apply for the AiE Grant Program. This program supports activities such as arts learning, performances, and artist residencies in schools and communities, helping to expand access to high-quality arts education across Maryland.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and detailed guidelines and evaluation rubrics are available to help applicants prepare strong submissions. For assistance or more information, interested applicants can contact Lizzie Morales, Arts in Education Program Director, at elizabeth.morales@maryland.gov or (443) 794-7564. This program offers a valuable platform for teaching artists and organizations to advance arts education and enrich communities throughout the state.
