NASAA has named the Maryland State Arts Council the recipient of its 2024 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Agency Award. This award recognizes a state arts agency that has fostered and developed diversity, equity and inclusion in its work and shown insight and fortitude in advancing DEI across the state. The Land Acknowledgement Project of the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) is a collection of resources centering the experiences of Indigenous people in the place now known as Maryland. The project includes a statewide Indigenous land acknowledgement statement read aloud at the beginning of all MSAC public meetings, a resource guide with an overview of land acknowledgement statements and how arts agencies and artists can ethically create their own, recommendations for how non-Indigenous people may move toward positive change led by tribal peoples, and maps and resources on tribal histories. The project was developed in consultation with the Accohannock Indian Tribe, Assateague People’s Tribe, Choptico Band of Indians of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe, Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians, Piscataway Indian Nation, Pocomoke Indian Nation, Susquehannock Indians and Youghiogheny River Band of Shawnee in response to ongoing constituent requests.  At MSAC, project efforts were led by Folklife Specialist Ryan Koons.

Since its release in 2022, the project has consistently fulfilled its intended purpose of combating Indigenous erasure, building networks that promote Indigenous sovereignty, and beginning to facilitate the development of ethical relationships between settler institutions and tribal peoples. In addition to spurring more than 24 requests for presentations, the project has led to convenings and collaborations among state agencies, private organizations and tribal leadership resulting in tools raising the visibility of Indigenous people via the Maryland State Archives, curriculum development increasing Indigenous perspectives in Maryland public schools, and efforts to connect tribal peoples with the resources of arts organizations and higher education institutions. Revisions that keep the Land Acknowledgement Project updated, accessible and as accurate as possible are ongoing at MSAC. "NASAA congratulates the Maryland State Arts Council as the 2024 recipient of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award," said NASAA President and CEO Pam Breaux. "The Land Acknowledgment Project is a shining example of a state arts agency demonstrating exceptional efforts to support and advance DEI in its state. By addressing Indigenous erasure and working to build authentic, respectful relationships with tribal communities, the project sets a powerful precedent for arts agencies nationwide. NASAA is thrilled to celebrate Maryland's impactful and visionary work—work that educates, informs and also paves the way for lasting, positive change." NASAA established the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awards to recognize the policies, practices and programs of state arts agencies that embrace and advance diversity, equity and inclusion in their states. NASAA celebrates the diversity that enriches and strengthens our nation, and through this award aims to support and elevate state arts agencies in their efforts to lead in this area. The award for agencies includes $2,500 to be used in support of the recipient's diversity, equity and inclusion work.