Government > City Departments > Economic Development Program > Arts & Entertainment General Fact Sheet

Description

A&E districts are defined by Americans for the Arts as well-recognized, labeled, mixed-use areas with a high concentration of arts and cultural facilities anchor attractions.

History                

Created in 2001 by state legislation; Maryland is one of the first states to create a statewide tax benefit jurisdiction for A&E. Arts districts are found across country, most in older cities or towns, reflecting local interests, history and culture.  Location, management, marketing, “product” content and funding are keys to success.

State Goal         

Develop, promote and support diverse artistic and cultural centers in communities throughout Maryland that spur economic revitalization, preserve a sense of place, provide authentic local experiences and neighborhood pride.  Strategies include:

• Create accessible, authentic, arts destinations
• Connect culture and commerce for revitalization
• Leverage state’s regional identities, natural resources and heritage
• Create a magnet for business, tourism, new resident population
• Provide artists - visual, literary, performing and folk–opportunities to live, work and craft an economically prosperous future
• Invest in the power of place

Oversight           

Maryland State Arts Council www.msac.org (Agency of DBED)

Information        

Elizabeth Affleck Carven, Deputy Director, MSAC
175 W. Ostend Street, Baltimore, MD  21230
Phone: 410-767-8831; email: ecarven@msac.org

Mary J. Giannini, City of Annapolis
Downtown Annapolis Partnership, A&E Coordinator
160 Duke of Gloucester St. Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-263-7940; email: mjgiannini@annapolis.gov

                                   

Benefits              

• Property tax credits for renovations that create live-work space or space for arts and entertainment enterprises;
• Income tax subtraction modification for income gained from artistic work sold by qualified resident artists;
• Admissions and Amusement tax exemption

Locations (17)    

Annapolis, Berlin, Bethesda, Cambridge, Cumberland, Denton, Elkton, Frederick, Gateway (Prince Georges), Hagerstown,  Havre de Grace, Highlandtown, Salisbury, Silver Spring, Snow Hill, Station North and Wheaton. 

Criteria               

• Threshold concentration of artistic, cultural or entertainment
• Boundary overlaps with other revitalization designations
• Local governments and private redevelopment resources
• Incentives available must be cable of increasing residents/business 

If you are an artist or just interested in getting involved with the A&E District in Annapolis please send an email to ArtsAnnapolis@gmail.com
Include your name, address, phone number, website and some information about yourself. We need to register our artists in the area and always looking for volunteers for future A&E events.