MARYLAND ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS PROGRAM

The State of Maryland is proud to be the first state in the country to sponsor Arts and Entertainment Districts as a way to stimulate the economy and improve quality of life. This legislation enables local jurisdictions, municipalities, counties, or a combination thereof, to apply for state designations for the Arts and Entertainment Districts within their boundaries and offer tax incentives as provided by law.

An Arts and Entertainment (A&E) district has been defined by Americans for the Arts as a well-recognized, labeled, mixed-use area of the city in which a high concentration of arts and cultural facilities serve as the anchor attraction.

Nationally they can be found in cities and towns of all sizes each one is uniquely reflecting a local mission, history, and cultural development. Some districts succeed with thoughtful landscaping and signage, while others are involved in the renovation of existing buildings and attracting complimentary businesses. Many are found in downtown areas, but they can flourish in suburban, rural, and neighborhood locations as well. The components of a successful arts and entertainment district are its location, management, content and funding.

Maryland is the first state to develop Arts and Entertainment Districts on a statewide basis. The benefits offered to selected districts include property tax credits for renovation of certain buildings that create live-work space for artists and/or space for arts and entertainment enterprises, an income tax subtraction modification for income derived from artistic work sold by qualifying residing artists, an exemption from the Admissions and Amusement tax levied by an arts and entertainment enterprise, or, qualifying residing artist in a district.

Arts and Entertainment Districts will further the goals of Smart Growth by locating within a Priority Funding Area and by carefully coordinating with local plans and policies for economic development.

MARYLAND ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICTS

• Annapolis (Anne Arundel County)
• Berlin Arts and Entertainment District (Worcester County)
• Bethesda Arts and Entertainment District (Montgomery County)
• Cambridge Arts and Entertainment District (Dorchester County)
• City of Frostburg - Mountain City Arts and Entertainment District (Allegany County)
• City of Salisbury (Wicomico County)
• Cumberland Arts and Entertainment District (Allegany County)
• Denton Arts and Entertainment District (Caroline County)
• Downtown Frederick Arts and Entertainment District (Frederick County)
• Elkton Arts and Entertainment District (Cecil County)
• Gateway Arts District (Prince George’s County)
• Hagerstown Arts and Entertainment District (Washington County)
• Havre de Grace (Harford County)
• Highlandtown Arts and Entertainment District (Baltimore City)
• Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District (Montgomery County)
• Snow Hill Arts and Entertainment District (Worcester County)
• Station North Arts and Entertainment District (Baltimore City)
• Wheaton Arts and Entertainment District (Montgomery County)

Map of Maryland Arts & Entertainment Districts.