Arts and culture of Maryland

The arts and culture of Maryland are somewhat varied and spread among different places. Silver Spring has the American Film Institute and The Filmore is within the central offices of Discovery Communications. The Strathmore, a cultural and artistic institution, is located in North Bethesda; it was founded in 1981 and consists of two venues: the Mansion and the Music Center.

American Film Institute Silver Theater

Music

There are different music festivals in Maryland:

• Jazz Festival that is held on the second Saturday in September in Silver Spring.
• In Takoma Park is held a Folk festival annually since 1978, founded by Sam Abbott, former Mayor of the city and civil-rights activist.^[1] In addition to hosting concerts on several stages by musicians from around the world, the festival also celebrates cultural diversity of the region, with a wide variety of ethnic food and crafts.
• In Germantown is located the BlackRock Center for the Arts, at the Germantown Town Center. The BlackRock Center for the Arts also sponsors the Germantown Oktoberfest, an annual festival held every year in the fall, which includes various genres of music, including traditional German folk, rock and pop.

Food

Dining in Montgomery County is also very varied, including American, African, Burmese, Ethiopian, Moroccan, Italian, Mexican, Salvadoran, Jamaican, Vietnamese, Lebanese, Thai, Chinese, Indian, and fusion restaurants, as well as many national and regional chains.

Media

There are different weekly newspapers in Montgomery County – The Gazette (with versions for Germantown, Silver Spring and Takoma), an information website called Germantown Pulse, and Washington Hispanic.

Libraries

Maryland has hundreds of libraries. Every county has one or more than one library for each city, and their own library system. Also every college and university has its own library. Maryland's 24 public library systems deliver public education for everyone in the state of Maryland through a curriculum that comprises three pillars: Self-Directed Education (books and materials in all formats, e-resources), Research Assistance & Instruction (individualized research assistance, classes for students of all ages), and Instructive & Enlightening Experiences (e.g., Summer Reading Clubs, author events). Many of the library systems have established formalized partnerships with other educational institutions in their counties and regions.

Recreation

Hundreds of playgrounds, playing fields and courts are available throughout every county and city of Maryland. Many of the parks are public and some belong to homeowners or other private associations.

Museums

Maryland has different museums, some of them are:

See also

• Maryland
• Arts and culture of Washington, D.C.

References