In this time of uncertainty, many people are hurting. We are grateful to frontline healthcare workers, first responders and human service workers who are meeting basic human needs like food and shelter. Although some thought this crisis would bring out our worst, I find people have an overwhelming desire to help—to be of service. If you are feeling this way, be assured that it is possible to make a difference even from home. Here are a few ideas:
Become a Maryland History Day judge or encourage your middle or high school students to participate. The deadline for the now fully online contest entries has moved to April 15. Since all judging is now online, volunteers can live anywhere. Learn more or sign up.
Complete your Census form. You’re Creative and You Count! Visit the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts Web site to learn more about why your participation is urgently needed.
Be a part of the Maryland Historical Society’s recently launched Collecting in Quarantine, a crowd-sourced initiative developed to preserve Maryland stories and photographs. Stories and submissions will be shared on our underbelly blog and on MdHS social media pages.
Make a mask for yourself and the ones you love. While local organizations like Open Works and Baltimore Center Stage have stepped up to create personal protective equipment, you can help to make masks for Johns Hopkins Hospital from home.
Prepare yourself for the April 28 the 7th District Special Congressional election, which will be conducted by mail ballot. Visit Baltimore Votes for information and instructions to be sure your voice can be heard. To help you make your choice of candidates, here’s a voter guide from the Baltimore Sun.
Share Dance and BMore and get moving with the elders in your life to stay healthy and safe. Go to DanceAndBmoreTV on YouTube for dozens of free videos that inspire Families and Elders to enjoy music and movement together online.
Be good to yourself and be sure to breathe.
Unfortunately, this week we say goodbye to Sue Hess, the indomitable founder of Maryland Citizens for the Arts. She was both a visionary and a smart political strategist who understood how to undertake statewide advocacy for the arts. Her legacy is expansive, and includes an ever-growing commitment by the Governor of Maryland and General Assembly to expanding financial support to the cultural sector. Her bravado, charm, and brilliance will be sincerely missed. Godspeed Sue!
In happier news, GBCA wishes a warm welcome to Marissa Rose, Everyman Theatre’s new managing director. LaRose comes to Everyman Theatre after an 11-year tenure at Washington DC’s nationally-renown Arena Stage, where she quickly rose through the organization to her most recent position, as Senior Director of Operations.
GBCA is keeping your families in our hearts as we move through this difficult and uncharted territory. We will continue to share and update resources related to the COVID 19 crisis, including new information about artist's space on our webpage. We are closely following the struggles and victories of artists and organizations around the region.
Be safe and well,
Jeannie
