The Maine Arts Commission fosters and encourages public interest and participation in the cultural heritage and artistic expression of our state. We fulfill our mission through partnerships and collaborations, outreach and advocacy, initiatives, information sharing and grants fororganizations, individual artists, and communities throughout Maine. The arts play an essential role in Maine’s past, present, and future. The Maine Arts Commission is located in the homeland of the Wabanaki, the People of theDawn. We recognize and honor the Abenaki, Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and PenobscotNations and all the First Nations communities who have lived here for hundreds of generationsin what is known today as Maine.