RELEASE: Mayor Scott Announces Recipients of ARPA-Funded $3.6 Million “Diversity in Arts Grant”

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For Immediate Release
Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Press Contact:
press@baltimorecity.gov

Mayor Scott Announces Recipients of ARPA-Funded $3.6 Million “Diversity in Arts Grant”

United Way to Oversee the Distribution of Grant Awards to Diverse, Underrepresented Art and Cultural Institutions 

BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, April 16, 2024) - Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott announced the recipients of the $3.6 million Diversity in Arts Grant. The arts grant, made possible with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, is part of a total of $6.25 million focused on supporting arts and cultural institutions led by diverse arts and cultural organizations announced in September 2023. The Diversity in Arts Grant funding will help awardees sustain and expand their work as they provide Baltimore City residents with quality art experiences and activities.

“Baltimore has always been a city defined by the arts, and our art community remains a cornerstone of our city's identity, reflecting our history, diversity, and resilience,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Baltimore’s arts community has always been there to express what this city is about, often giving a voice to the voiceless. However, public dollars have too often gone just to the big names and the big players in town. This investment, made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, underscores our dedication to ensuring that all artists and communities, particularly those minority and historically underrepresented organizations, have equitable access to resources and opportunities.”

“When we invest in the arts, we invest in the soul of our city, nurturing a vibrant culture that attracts talent, stimulates innovation, and generates economic prosperity,” said Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture Senior Advisor Tonya R. Miller Hall. “The arts are not just an expression of our city's spirit; they are a powerful engine driving our future forward."

The $3.6 million investment will be deployed as follows:

Capital Investments 

Project Investments 

“This investment is not merely a gesture of support for the creative community, which is still battling the negative economic effects of the pandemic; it is a strategic commitment to equity, empowerment, and cultural enrichment,” said Chief Recovery Officer Shamiah Kerney. “By directing funding to these organizations, we honor and preserve Baltimore City’s unique cultural heritage.”

Current grantees from previous ARPA funding announcements include the Baltimore Museum of Art, Walters Art Museum, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (MdVLA), Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA), Chesapeake Shakespeare, Everyman Theatre, Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District, The B&O Railroad Museum, and Wide Angle Youth Media. 

“Baltimore City’s arts and cultural organizations help inspire and unite us, and fuel our local economy in many ways—which, in turn, helps lift up our neighbors and the neighborhoods they call home,” said Franklyn Baker, President and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland. “We are proud to be the trusted fiscal sponsor for these Community Arts Grants, which align with our work to advance equity, opportunity, and access for all. These grants will amplify the work and impact of underserved and marginalized groups, and enable more residents to experience the enriching offerings of Baltimore’s diverse arts and cultural organizations.”

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About the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided $641 million to the City of Baltimore in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its negative economic impacts. Mayor Brandon M. Scott has established the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs to transparently and effectively administer this funding on behalf of the City. For additional information, visit the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Programs website at arp.baltimorecity.gov