Baltimore has been named one of the 17 finalists for the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge! For this most recent round of funding, 154 cities submitted proposals for projects that demonstrate close partnership between artists, arts organizations, and city government. Baltimore native and multidisciplinary artist Derrick Adams will serve as the artistic lead for Baltimore’s “Inviting Light” initiative, which combines mesmerizing light installations with culturally enriching programming along the Charles Street and North Avenue intersection. Congratulations to Mayor Scott, Central Baltimore Partnership, and The Neighborhood Design Center. Of the finalists, up to 10 winners will be announced this Fall to receive $1 million to execute their projects over the next two years. The program supports temporary public art projects that celebrate creativity, enhance urban identity, encourage public-private collaborations, and strengthen local economies.
In other exciting news, GBCA has been watching the developments at Mondawmin Mall where Tim Regan, CEO of Whiting Turner, has construction underway at the former Target location. The store is being replaced by The Village at Mondawmin, which with input from the community, is expected to house services for health care, child care and job development, along with local food and retail entrepreneurs. Regan’s deep commitment to the City is apparent in his personal, financial investment in the property and through the company’s commitment to arts and culture, including a recent contribution to GBCA. We are deeply grateful for this and for the support of our other corporate partners, Baltimore Gas and Electric, PNC Foundation, SB & Company, Transamerica, T. Rowe Price Foundation, and the Venable Foundation.
The Black Arts District and Intersection of Change have partnered to create a new multi-million dollar arts, culture, and community campus known as the Sanaa Center, a two-part development project which includes the expansion of the Harris-Marcus Center and the ground-up development of a new art center in the 1900 block of historic Pennsylvania Avenue. They are seeking community feedback and want to hear your vision for the Sanaa Center. You can respond through a 5-minute Sanaa Center Community Survey. A bonus? Every person who completes a survey will be entered into a monthly raffle to win a $100 gift card.
Another development getting underway is the reimagining of the old Pikesville Armory in Baltimore County, which is a historic military site reimagined to combine intergenerational community, encourage play, and inspire creativity.This 14-acre campus will offer indoor courts, outdoor fields, state-of-the-art playgrounds, maker spaces, theaters, lots of art spaces, walking paths, beer gardens, co-working spaces, lots of books, and so much more. You can learn more about the project and the Pikesville Armory Foundation at their website.
These are all signs of Baltimore’s many strengths and how creativity contributes to a beautiful future!
Have a great week!
Jeannie
