Need a Art And Design Contract in Maryland? AroundWire Can Help

In Maryland, contracts for “Art and Design” services—covering areas such as public art installations, graphic design, and creative consulting—typically reflect both state procurement law and local government preferences. Most public contracts are governed by the Maryland General Procurement Law (Division II, State Finance and Procurement Article), which mandates competitive bidding above certain thresholds and encourages minority- and women-owned business participation. Artists and designers may not require a state-specific license, but must register as a business entity with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. When projects involve public spaces or government property, additional approvals and compliance with the Maryland Public Art Initiative may be necessary. Standard contracts require general liability insurance (often $1 million per occurrence), and, for larger projects, professional liability coverage may be specified. Indemnification clauses are common, and contractors should review these for broad risk allocation. Payment terms generally follow the Maryland Prompt Payment Act, stipulating payment within 30 days of invoice approval; retainage is rare but possible in large installations. Intellectual property rights, especially regarding copyrights and reproduction, are often negotiated, with the state or commissioning entity typically seeking broad usage rights. Dispute resolution usually favors negotiation or mediation before litigation, and venue is commonly set in Maryland courts. Contractors should be aware that prevailing wage laws rarely apply to art and design, but adherence to anti-discrimination and accessibility statutes is essential.