Maryland State Arts Council
Recently the Maryland State Arts Council under its Maryland Traditions which is its folklife program announced a new program. This program will focus on businesses that perpetrate traditional folk life in Maryland. This new program will be called the Traditional Small Business Recognition Program.
The Traditional Small Business Recognition Program is a collaborative initiative of Maryland Traditions, the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. The program was created to recognize the cultural contributions of small businesses that serve as a conduit for many of Maryland's traditional cultural forms and experiences.
Program Guidelines
Maryland Traditions will solicit nominations from its regional partners, county tourism and arts councils, heritage areas, A&E Districts, and from the general public. Businesses also are welcome to self-nominate. Categories for nomination include family businesses, artisan, entertainment, creative design, food, service, merchandise, agricultural, maritime, recreation and textiles.
Businesses are considered "traditional" when their operation fosters the passage of cultural knowledge through generations via word of mouth or example. Non-publicly traded companies employing fewer than 25 employees are classified as "small businesses."
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of members from the business community and cultural experts such as folklorists and cultural anthropologists. The process also will include peer review by individuals who are actively engaged in significant traditional small businesses. More information about the program can be found at ( http://www.msac.org/tsb ).
Resources
The Maryland State Arts Council, an agency of the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development, Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts, is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive. The mission of the council is to encourage and invest in the advancement of the arts for the people of Maryland. For more information about the Maryland State Arts Council visit the MSAC web site at ( www.msac.org )or call (410) 767-6555.
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