On the heels of celebrating the birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Women’s March, we are reminded that the fight for justice and equality is far from over. The need for individual involvement is as urgent as it has ever been.
Momentous decisions, such as the Supreme Court upholding President Trump’s ban on transgender people serving in the military, are a reminder that discrimination, racism, and fear-mongering are with us in the present moment and need to be battled in word and deed.
One way to do that is to change the system. Urban Arts Leadership (UAL) was established at GBCA to forward the careers of arts administrators of color, and address the lack of historically underrepresented populations in the area’s cultural workforce. UAL Fellows undertake five months of training followed by a six-month placement with a cultural organization. There, the Fellows manage exciting leadership projects, expand their networks, and make significant contributions as part of the organization’s leadership team.
It works. UAL alumni have gone on to full-time positions with the Maryland State Arts Council, Impact Hub, GBCA, the National Museum of Women in the Arts, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and many more important organizations.
In that vein, it is also important to stand up for the arts! Don’t miss the chance to meet your elected representatives in Annapolis on February 14, Maryland Arts Day. Led by Maryland Citizens for the Arts, this is your opportunity to join 600 other spirited supporters to affirm the importance for arts and culture to our economy, our communities, and our schools. Sign up now, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!
If you are looking for something to do this weekend you won’t want to miss the most amazing group of artists you'll ever see in "An Afternoon of Artistic Excellence." This incredible FREE showcase of Baker Award winners will take place at 2PM on Saturday, January 26 at The Walters Art Museum. The event is produced by Contemporary Arts with the support of the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund in partnership with GBCA. Among the performers will be Carl Grubbs, Lafayette Gilchrist, and Joyce Scott. Tickets are going fast so reserve here now! If we sell out online, tickets will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis at the door.
Keep in mind those who are less fortunate as you brave the winter chill,
Jeannie
