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Commerce asks panel to back arts capital grants; members press on fewer, larger awards
Summary
The Department of Commerce sought approval for arts capital funding; members questioned why FY27 awards included fewer recipients at higher amounts and why FY27 grant obligations exceed the $3 million statutory baseline. Commerce and MSAC said eligibility clarifications and rising costs justify larger awards.
The Department of Commerce asked the Capital Budget Subcommittee to approve the governor's FY27 allowance for the Arts Capital Grant program and related geobond authorization. DLS noted the statute mandates a $3 million annual allocation for the arts capital grant program and summarized prior award rounds.
DLS analyst Elizabeth Weibel told the committee the FY27 capital budget for Commerce includes $3 million for the arts capital grant program and that the program has previously awarded grants ranging from $50,000 up to $450,000 (and higher in some requests). Secretary Harry Coker and Maryland State Arts Council executive director Steven Skerritt Davis defended the program's design and outreach, urging approval of the governor's request.
Members pressed Commerce about why FY27 recipients were fewer but received larger awards. Davis explained that the statute allows awards up to $1,000,000 and that program managers adjusted parameters after learning from the first cycles; that led to fewer awards but funding requests that reflect higher construction costs and full‑request funding rather than partial awards. Chair Ruff noted the program issued nine awards in FY26 (versus more in prior years) and that two previously awarded grantees could not accept funding, which freed funds that were reallocated.
Community witnesses voiced support. Nicholas Cohen of Maryland Citizens for the Arts asked the committee to report favorably and highlighted statewide participation, and Susie Glownor of the Saint Mary's County Arts Council described a previously awarded $450,000 project to create a community arts center and maker space enabled by the program.
Commerce said it tightened ownership and eligibility parameters after prior cycles when grantees were unable to accept awards because of property‑control issues. Secretary Coker said the program and MSAC aim for geographic diversity and to fully fund eligible requests where feasible.
Next steps: DLS and Commerce agreed to follow up with members on award details and provide recent allocation lists at members’ requests.
