Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation has launched its first film program, entitled On Screen/In Person.  The program will tour new independent American films to communities across the mid-Atlantic region.  Organizations in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia and West Virginia identified as host sites will take part in film selection and screen six films annually accompanied by their filmmakers, who will be available for engagement activities in their host commnities.  The deadline for organizations interested in serving as host sites is February 25, 2011. Guidelines for host sites are available here.  Films are solicited through an annual nationwide open call for entries.  Documentaries, fiction, experimental and animated films are eligible for consideration.   Filmmakers should submit their work through www.withoutabox.com.  Questions about the program should be directed to Ann Turiano at ann@midatlanticarts.org.

The State Capitol Complex

The Foundation assists the Middle Atlantic Folklife Association ("MAFA") to produce its biennial gathering of folklorists and friends of the field.  The next conference, with the theme "Heritage and the State," will take place on April 7-9, 2011 at the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  Sessions will include paper presentations, panel discussions, and artist presentations and performances. The conference, co-sponsored by MAFA, the Middle Atlantic American Studies Association and the Pennsylvania Political Science Association, is open to professional folklorists, community scholars, and students.  Registration materials will be available in February 2011.  Questions concerning the conference should be directed to Sally Van de Water at sally@midatlanticarts.org.

E. Scott Johnson

Congratulations to MAAF Board Member E. Scott Johnson who has been named the 2011 Sue Hess Maryland Arts Advocate of the Year! Scott will be presented with the award, facilitated by Maryland Citizens for the Arts, at Maryland Arts Day 2011 on Febuary 9, 2011. The 2011 Award Committee consisted of: Christopher West (Chair), Shuean Butcher, Jephta Drachman, Sue Hess, Carol Trawick and Debby Weible. For more information on the award, please visit Maryland Citizens for the Arts News.