Maryland Hall’s outreach programs continually evolve to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve as we seek to make engagement with the arts accessible to all, particularly underserved communities. Our outreach introduces students to new arts concepts and experiences and provides meaningful hands-on opportunities to increase self-expression and creativity in a collaborative setting. What began in 2008 with a few after-school workshops in collaboration with the Annapolis Gardens Boys and Girls Clubs has grown into many year-round programs serving over 1,000 students yearly. This is a vital and growing program that allows students to connect with their peers, uncover talents and develop important life skills.
Creating Communities was an independent, multi-award-winning nonprofit, that served the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County communities with art, music and STEAM programs from 2007-2022, before its absorption into Maryland Hall Outreach Programming. Founded by jazz musician and community leader Rob Levit, Creating Communities offered, in its early years, healing and collaborative arts programs to adults with mental illness, hospital and hospice patients, war veterans, adults in addiction recovery as well homeless adults. However, Creating Communities signature programs were for youth and families for which it received many awards. These programs included the Family Arts Cohort, the Youth Arts Fellowship and its flagship program, the Arts Mentorship Academy which was founded and delivered for fifteen years at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. Creating Communities was the recipient of the 2020 Innovation Award from the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County for its service during the pandemic – the only time the award has been given.
Creating Communities has continued to evolve under Maryland Hall, with a particular focus on youth, women, and the family. School year 2023-24 brings Drumming at Georgetown East and Monarch Global, STEAM Robotics at Southgate, Arts Integration classes at Marley Elementary and Germantown Elementary, and Outdoor Arts and Crafts at Eastport UMC. Community events include Dance showcases, Black Tie Community Awards event, Empowering Women conference, Mother’s Day Tea, and Father-Daughter Dance, at Maryland Hall.
