The Arts & Entertainment District designation makes available incentives to promote arts activity and investment within specified geographic areas.

The benefits currently offered to these districts include property tax credits for new construction or renovation of certain buildings that create live-work space for artists and/or space for arts and entertainment enterprises.

An additional benefit is income tax subtraction modification for income derived from artistic work executed and sold within the districts by “qualifying residing artists”. Click here to learn more about A&E Districts in Maryland.

Rose Heller, Fire Dancer

Rose Heller, Fire Dancer

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Leonardtown celebrated its Arts and Entertainment District Designation on First Friday, September 6, 2013, becoming the first Arts & Entertainment District in Southern Maryland.

The State of Maryland is proud to be among the first states in the country to sponsor Arts and Entertainment Districts as a way to stimulate the economy and improve quality of life. 

Nationally, Arts & Entertainment Districts can be found in cities and towns of all sizes - each one uniquely reflects a local mission, history, and cultural development. 

Downtown Leonardtown is now one of these specially designated Arts & Entertainment districts, a full list of Maryland A & E districts is available here.

Art Walk Entry, photo by Michael Montillo

Art Walk Entry, photo by Michael Montillo

First Friday audience participation Drum Circle hosted by the SMC Arts Council and the SoMar Drummers.

First Friday audience participation Drum Circle hosted by the SMC Arts Council and the SoMar Drummers. (Photo credit: Jenn Dorsey)

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