State Honors Silver Spring with Arts Award

AFI Silver, Round House Theatre, Blair Mansion Inn, The Fillmore—these familiar names and more than 40 others all belong in the Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District.

Silver Spring tied with Prince George’s County’s Gateway Arts District for the State of Maryland’s Arts & Entertainment District Outstanding Achievement Award, in recognition of significant contributions made to Maryland’s economy through art and culture.

“Over the past two decades, Downtown Silver Spring has undergone a transformation making it the vibrant office, residential and entertainment destination that it is today,” Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett said in June 12 statement announcing the award.

The arts district is one of 19 in the state and three in the county; Bethesda and Wheaton also have districts.

In an arts district, developers creating spaces for artists to live and work can qualify for property tax exemptions, and artists working in the district can receive an income tax credit.

The program is administered by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development through the Maryland State Arts Council.

Another fun fact about the Silver Spring A&E District: You can find more than 50 pieces of public art within its 369 acres. What are some of your favorites? Tell us in the comments!