Category: Division of the Arts

Olivia Stevens Named 2025 Delaware State Finalist for Poetry Out Loud

Statewide, Del. (March 11, 2025) – The Delaware Division of the Arts proudly announces Olivia Stevens, a student from Mount Sophia Academy, as the 2025 Delaware State Finalist for the 20th Annual Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest. Olivia captivated audiences and judges alike with her powerful recitations of “Sanctuary” by Jean Valentine, “Crossing the […]

March 11, 2025

Delaware Division of the Arts Opens 14th Annual State Employee Art Exhibition

Dover, Del. (February 26, 2025) – The Delaware Division of the Arts is proud to host the 14th Annual Delaware State Employee Art Exhibition, showcasing the artistic talents of state employees and their immediate family members. The free exhibition will be open to the public from February 25 – March 21, 2025, at the Arts […]

February 26, 2025

Delaware Division of the Arts Announces 12 Finalists for Delaware’s 2025 Poetry Out Loud State Finals

Wilmington, Del. (January 22, 2025) – Delaware’s Poetry Out Loud State Finals returns to the Smyrna Opera House on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 6:00pm. Twelve student finalists will compete for the opportunity to represent Delaware and advance to the National Finals in Washington, DC from May 5-7, 2025, where $50,000 in awards and school […]

January 22, 2025

Groundbreaking Study Reveals Economic and Social Impact of Non-Profit Arts and Culture Sector in Delaware

Wilmington, Del. (July 1, 2024) – The Delaware Division of the Arts today announced that Delaware’s nonprofit arts and culture industry generated $209.5 million in economic activity in 2022, according to the newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), an economic and social impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts (AFTA). That economic […]

July 1, 2024

Timeline: DSAC Established

[row] [column md=”6″] [/column] [column md=”6″] In 1969… An Executive Order, issued on March 31, 1969, established a Delaware State Arts Council. The Executive Department felt that the general welfare of Delaware citizens would be “promoted by giving further recognition to the arts as a vital part of our cultural heritage.” [button type=”default” size=”lg” link=”https://arts.delaware.gov/30th-anniversary/”]Read […]

March 31, 2019

Why the Arts are Important

[row] [column md=”6″] [/column] [column md=”6″] We asked arts supporters “how are the arts important to our society?” Sara Kate Hammer of Milford, DE is one such supporter who gave us her thoughts. We encourage you in the coming weeks and months to help us celebrate. This month, we are launching our 2019 Anniversary with […]

March 21, 2019

Timeline: New Standards

[row] [column md=”6″] [/column] [column md=”6″] In 2016… Happy St. Patrick’s Day! On this day in 2016 the Delaware Board of Education voted to adopt new arts standards for dance, media arts, music, theater and visual arts. Pictured is a scene from Delaware Dance Company’s ‘The Nutcracker’ (2018). [button type=”default” size=”lg” link=”http://delawaredancecompany.org/”]Find out more about […]

March 17, 2019

Timeline: March for the Arts

[row] [column md=”6″] [/column] [column md=”6″] In 2003… It’s that time! March for the Arts was founded in 2003 when Delaware Senator Connor authored Senate Bill 116, designating the month of March as “March for Arts in Education Month.” Senator Conner envisioned a month devoted to celebrating arts education throughout the state–recognizing the critical role […]

March 5, 2019

Timeline: Art Loop Wilmington

[row] [column md=”6″] [/column] [column md=”6″] In 1988… We hope to see you out on the town this evening! The Art Loop Wilmington, formerly known as Art on the Town, was launched in 1988 as a Wilmington Arts Commission and DSAC supported endeavor to connect participating art galleries. It’s now a loop dedicated to showcasing […]

March 1, 2019

Timeline: Individual Artist Fellowships Established

[row] [column md=”6″] [/column] [column md=”6″] In 1980… The Delaware Division of the Arts established the Individual Artist Fellowship grants awarded on a competitive basis for quality as demonstrated by creativity and skill in an art form. Applications are accepted in eighteen artistic disciplines in the fields of choreography, folk art, jazz, literature, media arts, […]

February 28, 2019

Timeline: Mezzanine Gallery Opens

[row] [column md=”6″] [/column] [column md=”6″] In 1979… “Recognizing the urgent need of professional artists for good exhibition space and to provide the broadest possible exposure to Delaware’s visual artists, the Council established its own gallery.” That gallery is the present day Mezzanine Gallery established in 1979. It’s currently having renovations done but is opening […]

February 22, 2019

Timeline: Office of the Arts of the DHCA established

[row] [column md=”6″] [/column] [column md=”6″] In 1978… In order to incorporate the arts program more directly into the structure of government, a later more recent executive order transferred the administrative responsibilities of the Arts Council (DSAC) to the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.The Council advises the Division on programs and concerns of the […]

February 18, 2019