In 2008, the Maryland State Arts Council launched a comprehensive strategic planning process—Imagine Maryland—to strengthen and elevate the Arts as a vital and vibrant asset of the State’s quality of life.

To better learn how people connect to and value the Arts, the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development commissioned a public survey—the first of its kind ever conducted in the state. We have long recognized that many Marylanders hold a deep appreciation of and involvement with the Arts. Now, thanks to the Statewide Survey of the Arts, we know for the first time just how connected we are to the Arts.

What we learned from this inaugural survey is essential to understanding the role of the Arts in people’s lives and livelihoods. For the first time, we have independent, statistically significant data illustrating that Marylanders universally value the Arts and are actively creating art at home, school and work.

We also know that Marylanders are active participants in the Arts—nine out of 10 attended a musical performance, live theater, art festival or gallery this past year. And, Marylanders strongly support the Arts through charitable donations, encouraging others to pursue their art or purchasing handcrafted items.

Whether aspiring creator, seasoned artist, thoughtful observer or weekend hobbyist, it is clear that Marylanders are tuned in and turned on to their own creative energy and to the Arts in their communities. These findings make it clear that imagination nurtures our spirit, elevates our humanity and deepens our connections to our world.

The full report is available to download below.

Downloadable documents

Statewide Survey of the Arts
Statewide_survey.pdf