Sandy Spring Museum Capital Project:
Spring Forward

Overview

Sandy Spring Museum is set to break ground on an exciting new project—the Cultural Heritage Hub. This innovative space is a response to the voices of traditional artists who expressed a pressing need for a dedicated space to practice, rehearse, and gather without the burden of high rental costs. The Cultural Heritage Hub, set to open in January 2025, is designed specifically for these artists and organizations, offering a free facility for rehearsals, small-scale recordings, meetings, and performances in a charming adjacent amphitheater.

Sandy Spring Museum connects diverse communities and advances social equity through shared and inspiring experiences of the region’s cultural heritage. Residing in the most ethnically and linguistically diverse county in the state, regional folk artists are primarily immigrants and people of color who are members of underserved communities, sometimes lacking access to resources or space in which to practice and promulgate their traditions. Our goal is to expand opportunities, providing equal access to all, including after-hours and weekend access.

Cultural heritage is a vehicle for communities to draw on their past in the present, so they can shape their own futures. It is generative and evolving, attuned to the changing experiences of the region.

Support

Supporting the Cultural Heritage Hub at Sandy Spring Museum means investing in a vibrant future shaped by cultural heritage, as we advance social equity and connect people to Montgomery County's diverse past, present, and future. Your contribution helps us engage through expert-led, artist-led, and community-led initiatives, fostering a change narrative that highlights the transformative impact of our activities. This investment not only supports critical infrastructure and programming but also positions Sandy Spring Museum as a leader in the discussion around the importance of cultural heritage and community engagement regionally and nationally.

Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant community where every culture is celebrated and cherished.

Donate

Cultural Heritage Hub - Naming Opportunities Available

Cultural Heritage Hub - $100,000

Have your family name associated with the Hub – a dedicated space for serving a diverse community of traditional artists and sharing the region’s cultural heritage.

Amphitheater - $75,000

The new amphitheater will be a welcoming spot where the public and the folk artist community converge. This flexible outdoor theater will become a new favorite gathering place for the community, where creative expressions of all cultural backgrounds are shared and celebrated by all.

Performance Room - $75,000

This visionary space will serve as a dynamic haven for folk artists of all backgrounds. From dancers to musicians, storytellers to visual artists, everyone will find a welcoming home here with free to low-cost rental and 24/7 access. The space will feature wall mirrors for dancers to hone their craft, sound-absorbing curtains ensuring suitable acoustics for rehearsals and intimate performances. With easy access and security measures in place, artists can immerse themselves in their work without constraint, knowing they have a safe and supportive environment in which to thrive.

Gathering Lobby - $50,000

This multi-purpose area seamlessly transforms to accommodate various needs of folk artists, from networking and collaboration to brainstorming sessions and meetings. In this multi-purpose haven, folk artists will find a vibrant community hub where creativity flourishes, traditions are honored, and new artistic horizons are explored.

Digital Folklife Lab - $50,000

The new Digital Folklife Lab is equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual gear, providing opportunities for folk artists to adapt to the digital age. We provide the tools and expertise to record, edit, and livestream. Our goal is to empower traditional artists to thrive in today's digital landscape and bridge heritage and innovation, creating a future where cultural richness meets digital fluency.

Porch - $50,000

Nestled between an indoor performance room and an outdoor amphitheater lies the Creative Porch, a versatile oasis designed to seamlessly connect artists with their audience and surroundings. This outdoor space serves as a dynamic hub where performers can present, rest, and expand their creativity while fostering community engagement.

Planter - Taken

Stone Benches in Amphitheater - $5,000(10 available), $1,000(30 available)

For an intimate, outdoor experience, the amphitheater will feature curved stone benches. Have your family’s name on top of the bench ($5000 naming opportunity) or carved into the front side ($1000 naming opportunity). You will be reminded of your contribution every time you attend a performance at the Hub.

For more information about naming opportunities, contact Allison Weiss