Annapolis Mayor Jared Littmann
Since his swearing in on December 1, Mayor Jared Littmann has been true to his campaign promise to listen, partner, and act with Annapolis residents. Crisscrossing the city to learn what matters to citizens, he’s focused on some big priorities, including the City Dock Resiliency Plan, parking, public safety, and permitting. But he’s also made time to hear the concerns of the arts community.
During his campaign, Littmann participated in a candidates forum on the importance of the arts, stating that “artists are one of Annapolis’ greatest assets” and sharing his thoughts on the value of a vibrant local arts and entertainment scene.
In a recent interview with What’s Up? Annapolis, Littmann offered several examples of how he believes the arts create a sense of community in the city.
“The Annapolis Film Festival is a fantastic event, one I personally enjoy,” he says. “It’s inspirational to see the imagination of the two founders and how they’ve run with this idea. Maryland Hall also does a really nice job with so many of the performance groups—the symphony, the opera, the ballet. Then there are events like the Day of the Dead festival that celebrate different cultures.
“It’s important for me to get to know every organization,” he continues, “even if it’s not my personal interest. I want to see who’s missing at the table and make sure no one is getting ignored.”
Asked about the popular public murals in Annapolis, Littmann said his personal favorites are the larger-than-life portraits of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Thurgood Marshall near the courthouse.
“I also like the creation story on the Best Place for All Mural at Arundel Center,” he adds. “The two artists who were selected as finalists for that project decided to work together. Each inspired the other, and brought two communities together.”
For tourism, one of Annapolis’ most important economic engines, the arts can be a significant draw. (A study by Americans for the Arts found that arts attendees spend an average of $38.46 per person, per event, beyond the cost of their tickets.)
“Arts events encourage people to come to Annapolis, even if they’re from close by—from Severna Park, South County, or West County,” Littmann agrees. “These visitors are having a good experience. They’re spending money. And it’s not any one type of visitor, but a mix of people,” he says, reflecting the diversity of local arts offerings.
Littmann also praised the power of the arts to connect individuals. “So many people today feel isolated—working from home, focused on their devices. The wonderful thing about the arts is it gets people out of the house and brings them together, sharing experiences and debating ideas. When we think about what we appreciate about living in Annapolis, it includes events like the Songwriters Festival or Dining Under the Stars, which we enjoy together.”
The value of the arts for young people also resonates with Littmann. “Arts are a way to show students that there are so many ways to be successful in life. We can show kids what working artists are doing—things that are experiential, such as painting or music. Even if you don’t make your living in the arts, they can become a hobby or a side job, providing opportunities for personal enrichment.”
A 2025 survey of the local arts community found that individual artists, as well as arts organizations, find it challenging to secure the work and performance spaces they need in the city, particularly downtown. Littmann praised the success of out-of-the-box initiatives like Live Arts Studio, whose offices, rehearsal, and performance areas are located in a new venue at the Annapolis Mall.
“It would be wonderful if we found other spaces further out, not just on West Street—perhaps churches or community halls,” Littmann suggests. “Rents in Annapolis are expensive, which is another reason to look elsewhere. I’m open to suggestions on how to tackle that.”
Looking toward the future, the mayor sees the new City Dock as holding “a lot of potential” as a place for art.
“In Annapolis, our historical heritage and our connection to the Navy are things that draw people to the city,” Littmann observed. “But arts and culture have to be in the mix.”
Events like the Annapolis Songwriters Festival boost tourism, attracting music lovers to the city.
How can we encourage the growth of a strong, vibrant arts community in Maryland’s capital city?
The Annapolis Arts Committee, a group of more than 30 artists, arts organizations, and arts supporters, held a series of listening sessions in 2025 to answer that question. Read about the needs and concerns expressed, and about the recommendations that resulted from those conversations, at www.annapolisartsdistrict.org/annapolisartsplan.
