‘Realizing the Creative City’ a Panel Discussion at the Baltimore Museum of Art

The best part about Baltimore, other than it being the home of Nattie Bo Beer and it’s historic architectural charm, are its small pockets of art centric neighborhoods. With both low rents and multiple institutions catering to the arts, Baltimore is a natural environment that fosters artistic and creative communities. On June 23, the Baltimore Museum of Art hosted an evening panel discussion ‘Realizing the Creative City’ to begin a conversation about how to continue nurturing people and places that make up creative neighborhoods both in Baltimore and around the country.

The thought-provoking panel, hosted by Judilee Reed with LINC, consisted of four panelists from different locations around the country. They discussed artists’ needs and various methods of addressing those needs. The presentations touched on essential topics such as getting artists support through the seemingly intimidating and daunting tasks of acquiring grants, getting health care, embracing entrepreneurship, and combining and leveraging networks.

Melissa Warlow discussed the Baltimore Baker Fund that awards up to $50,000 annually to artists who are making regional civic contributions with their work. Tom Schorgl discussed Cleveland, OH’s Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC) and its creative workforce fellowship program. Other panelists referred to research by the The Urban Land Institute.  They all nodded to artists being a vital factor in revitalizing urban neighborhoods, local economies, and helping build community identity and pride when the proper support is easily available.  

So is there a silver bullet or program that addresses all the needs of nurturing a creative community? Nope. Different cities and states all over the country have their own programs that are designed to help support artists and creatives. It is up to those involved in their local communities to assess their needs and design programs that empower them. To do this effectively it is important to know what programs are available and working elsewhere, thus, the significance of this panel bringing to light the value of expanding, integrating, and incorporating art networks across sectors and communities. Imagine the potential of our urban centers if we continue to foster creative communities in Baltimore and elsewhere... like DC!

For more information on the speakers and associations involved check out:

Judilee Reed, Host and Executive Director, LINC
Paul Bonin-Rodriguez, Moderator and Assistant Professor in Performance as Public Practice, University of Texas, Austin
Grisha Coleman, Panelist and Assistant Professor, Movement, Computation, and Digital Media, Arizona State University
Thomas B. Schorgl, Panelist and President & CEO, Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC)
Andrew Simonet, Panelist and Director, Artists U
Melissa Warlow, Panelist and Executive Director, William G. Baker Jr. Memorial Fund