Baltimore’s Safe Art Space Task Force

Mayor Pugh formed the Safe Art Space Task Force in late December, 2016 after the tragic fire at the Ghost Ship artist collective in Oakland, California and closure of the Bell Foundry in Baltimore’s Station North Arts and Entertainment District.

The Task Force is charged with creating a citywide network of safe cost-effective contemporary living, live/work, studio, and performance spaces for emerging and existing artists. The Task Force will integrate the perspectives of artistic, design, development, financial, regulatory, and revitalization experts. It will develop strategies, identify resources, and propose a programmatic framework that will develop and sustain spaces that protect the safety of artists and patrons, while meeting the logistical and technical interests of today’s performers and audiences.

Join Maryland Philanthropy Network’s Arts Funders and Community Investment Funders Affinity Groups to hear an overview of the Task Force’s work and focus; weigh in on some of the Task Force’s preliminary recommendations before they are finalized for the Mayor in May; and have a conversation about how Maryland Philanthropy Network members might assist with identified challenges in the short-, mid-, and long-term.

Our speakers will be the co-chairs of the Task Force:

• Jon Laria, Partner, Ballard Spahr; and
• Frank McNeil, Assistant Vice President/Community Consultant Greater Maryland Community Development Banking, PNC Bank

As well as two members Task Force’s Project Development and Finance Workgroup:

• Dana Johnson, Managing Director, Maryland & Washington, DC of the Reinvestment Fund/Chair, Project Development and Finance Workgroup; and
• Tracey Barbour-Gillett, Program Officer, Community Development, the Abell Foundation/ Member, Project Development and Finance Workgroup.

This program is for Maryland Philanthropy Network members and invited guests only.