Annoucements

Vote for Frederick as Top Arts Destination

February 1, 2011

Frederick was recognized as a Top Small Arts City by American Style Magazine in 2010 and the Frederick Arts Council is leading an effort to ensure Frederick receives the recognition again in 2011 by encouraging individuals to vote for Frederick as a Top Arts Destination.

Each year AmericanStyle Magazine, a national publication that promotes the significance of handmade objects of art, has an annual competition to select the top twenty-five arts destinations in the United States, based on population numbers. Frederick ranked eighteenth in the Small City category along with other Maryland towns such as Annapolis and Cumberland as well as Berkeley Springs in West Virginia and New Hope in Pennsylvania.

Frederick is well deserved to be named a top arts destination in the small city category and has an opportunity to move up the list as we have a lot to offer. For example, Downtown Frederick was named the top Arts and Entertainment District of the Year last year by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. The city is home to a thriving arts community, including a nationally-juried fine arts and crafts festival, three film festivals, internationally-recognized public art, a major regional art center and approximately ten other galleries.

In the performing arts, there are three theaters within 50 feet of each other in downtown Frederick, over twenty dance studies, over a dozen theater and producing groups, eight choral groups, seven symphonic, brass, or concert bands, and other great events that feature live music. And that is just the half of it.

AmericanStyle magazine showcases the eclectic lifestyles of artists, the elegant homes of craft collectors and features about “the art of creative living,” making Frederick a perfect fit to be chosen as a top arts destination. Recognition in the magazine will further recognize Frederick as a creative community and will encourage more tourism and support the local economy. The rankings are based on a readers’ poll, therefore local residents can make a difference as they did last year. Voters need to go to www.americanstyle.com and vote for Frederick in the small city category. Individuals must cast their vote by March 5th and everyone who votes will be entered to win $500.