Cast of the Saratoga International Theatre Institute (New York, NY) and Nine Years Theatre (Singapore) perform Three Sisters with support from USArtists International at the Singapore International Festival of the Arts. Credit: The Pond Photography.

Mid Atlantic Arts was established in 1979 to promote and support multi-state arts programming in a region that includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia. It is one of six regional arts organizations in the United States, and works in close partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and its member state and jurisdictional arts agencies. Mid Atlantic Arts distinguishes itself through its work in international cultural exchange, model programs in performing arts touring, its knowledge and presence in the jazz field, and its support of folk and traditional arts.

Mission

Mid Atlantic Arts nurtures and funds the creation and presentation of diverse artistic expression and connects people to meaningful arts experiences within our region and beyond.

Vision

Mid Atlantic Arts envisions a future in which artists and creators are actively engaged with diverse communities to energize the transformative power of the arts.

Guiding Principles

Artistry and Creative Expression – Mid Atlantic Arts values the pursuit of artistry and the promotion of creative expression. We believe that the arts are an essential part of life, enriching our human experience and contributing to communities’ overall well-being.

Diversity – Mid Atlantic Arts values the abundant and expansive diversity that exists within our region, our nation, and the world. We honor and celebrate the mid-Atlantic’s people, artistic and community resources and, most notably, our many forms of cultural expression, and believe them to be major sources of strength in our region.

Equity and Access – Mid Atlantic Arts acknowledges that long-standing systems and practices within the arts sector have led to significant barriers to equitable access and investment for individuals and across communities. We are committed to the implementation of equitable practices through intentional and sustained focus and accountability.

Curiosity and Listening – Mid Atlantic Arts believes listening to and understanding those we serve leads to relevant and responsive programs and policies. We are committed to ongoing evaluation, analysis, and evolution of our work and practices. We are also committed to the development and support of learning communities, stakeholder convening, and the achievement of best practices to improve our services to the field.

Partnerships and Collaborations – Mid Atlantic Arts values the relationships with our many trusted partners across the region, the United States, and internationally that extend the reach and impact of our programs. We recognize the National Endowment for the Arts, our state and jurisdictional arts agencies, fellow regional arts agencies, donors, funders, service organizations, and other stakeholders as key allies in fulfilling our mission.

Goals

• EMBRACE AND PROMOTE EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND ACCESS
  Embed, model, and highlight exemplary practices of equity, diversity, inclusion, and access in all of Mid Atlantic Arts’ policies and activities to address long-standing barriers to equitable access and build a stronger arts sector. Provide leadership in the development and delivery of model programs and partnerships to address access, creation, presentation, and the expansion of markets for artists and their work.
• SUPPORT AND STRENGTHEN THE ARTS SECTOR
  Invest in artists, creators, and organizations through programs, services, and partnerships that support and sustain creative expression and enable new and diverse communities to experience this work. Represent excellence and best practices in management and governance.
• ENLIVEN COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE ARTS
  Foster partnerships between the arts and other sectors to provide collaborative approaches that promote community well-being.
• BUILD INTERNAL CAPACITY
  Build Mid Atlantic Arts’ internal capacity to effectively respond to the needs of the field and address our mission.