Maine Arts Commission facts for kids
The Maine Arts Commission is a special group in the state of Maine. Its main job is to help artists and art groups. They work to bring music, dance, poetry, painting, and other fun art activities to everyone in Maine.
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History of Arts Support in Maine
The idea of the state helping the arts started a long time ago. In 1933, the Maine State Legislature (which makes laws for Maine) created the Maine Art Commission. This was a small group of three people chosen by the governor. Their job was to tell the governor which artworks to buy for state buildings.
This first group worked for many years. Then, in the 1960s, people wanted a stronger, lasting group to support arts and culture.
New Beginnings for Maine Arts
In 1964, Governor John H. Reed started the Governor's Council on Arts and Culture. This Council looked at how the state government could best help the arts. They suggested creating a new, independent group just for arts and humanities.
At the same time, big changes were happening in Washington, D.C. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) were created. These national groups also aimed to support arts and culture across the country.
The Commission is Established
The Maine State Commission on the Arts and Humanities was officially created in 1965. It started its work in 1966. Its main goal was to help more people in Maine get involved with and enjoy the arts. At that time, it was one of only two state groups in the entire country focused on helping artists express themselves freely.
A Director's Role
Later, in 2003, Donna McNeil began working with the Maine Arts Commission. She became the director of the organization in 2009. She retired from her role in 2013.
