There are two new Arts and Entertainment Districts joining the 26 existing Districts in Maryland.
Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kelly M. Schulz announced on Monday the Town of Easton on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the area along the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor in Baltimore are the new districts in the state to receive such designations.
“Maryland’s Arts and Entertainment Districts serve an important role in revitalizing communities across the state,” said Secretary Schulz. “This designation helps attract artists and creative businesses and gives counties and municipalities the ability to develop unique arts experiences that engage residents and attract visitors. I look forward to seeing how these districts utilize the designations for community and economic revitalization.”
The A&E designations in these areas aim to revive and encourage the communities to support the arts, events, culture, and economy. The Maryland State Arts Council chose these areas in an effort to promote arts activity, livability, and encourage tourism.
According to Maryland's Department of Commerce, a new economic impact study released in July shows that new businesses and events in Maryland Arts and Entertainment Districts collectively supported more than $1 billion in state GDP, approximately $72.1 million in state and local tax revenues, and 9,987 jobs that paid more than $320 million in wages in FY2018.
A&E District designations last for 10 years. There are now 28 districts spread throughout 18 counties and Baltimore City.
