Community Arts Grants
The Community Arts Grants program is an effort of the Dorchester Center for the Arts, (DCA) as the designated county Arts Council, to support and expand arts programming throughout Dorchester. These funds, allocated by the Maryland State Arts Council, are intended to encourage arts programming and arts participation across the county. Supported arts disciplines include dance, theatre, visual arts, music, film/media arts, literary arts, folk/heritage/traditional and multi-disciplinary arts programming. There is no matching grant requirement for FY26.
Individual grants average $250- $2000.
Application deadline for round 2 is May 15, 2026 for programs and/or activity through June 30, 2026.
Community Art Grant Guidelines
Community Art Grant Application
Community Art Grant Report of Expenditures
Interested in Volunteering?
Thank you so much for your time! Complete this simple Google Form for Volunteer Opportunities and we will reach out to you when there’s a good fit.
Check it out HERE
Visual Artists
Open Calls
Graham Slaughter Biannual Photography Competition
Full exhibition details here. Online submission details released mid June 2026.
Exhibition Proposals – Ongoing Call
DCA considers exhibition proposals for group shows, solo and multiple artist exhibitions, installation and conceptual art, and more. Please contact Visual Arts Coordinator, Lillian Pennypacker @ LPennypacker@Dorchesterarts.org with the following information on your proposed show:
Title, short write up about the exhibition theme/s, about the exhibiting artist/s and a short write up about the exhibited artwork including medium, number of works, scale and installation requirements.
Teaching Opportunities
Are you a skilled artist who would like to share your expertise? We offer weekly classes, one time workshops, family art days and painting parties. Please contact, Janet Hendricks, Program Coordinator @ JHendricks@Dorchesterarts.org for more information.
Live, Paid, Musical / Live Performances
DCA hosts a monthly, Second Saturday Reception with live music and / or performances. We showcase all genres of music and performance, please contact Lillian Pennypacker, Visual Arts Coordinator @ LPennypacker@Dorchesterarts.org for more information.