For decades, Maryland has proudly led the nation in its commitment to the arts. The 1994 Arts Stabilization Act (ASA) was the first—and remains the only—state law mandating public funding for the arts. This visionary legislation provided the foundation for a vibrant, far-reaching cultural sector that not only enriches Maryland communities but also fuels our state’s economic engine. Today, that progress is in danger.
Under Governor Moore’s FY2026 Budget Proposal and the associated Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act, the administration has requested the removal of the ASA—a move that would dismantle a 30-year strategy for steady, thoughtful arts investment.
This law has been celebrated over decades by governors of both parties—Schaefer, Glendening, Ehrlich, O’Malley, and Hogan—and by the Maryland General Assembly as a linchpin of our cultural success. Eliminating it would represent a radical departure from the bipartisan support that has allowed the arts to flourish.
• According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the arts in Maryland have reached an all-time economic high.
• The arts sector adds nearly $13 billion to the state economy, supports more than 80,000 jobs, and provides $7.3 billion in worker compensation.
• Year after year, Maryland ranks among the top five states in per-capita arts investment—a testament to the consistent, reliable funding made possible by the ASA.
Equally significant is how arts funding flows. The Maryland State Arts Council, bolstered by the ASA’s predictable financial structure, has modeled equitable funding statewide. Every county and Baltimore City receive support for cultural initiatives, ensuring that citizens from Cumberland to the Eastern Shore have access to a robust, creatively driven community life.