Discussion of Baltimore Arts & Entertainment Districts (April 2020)

Maryland’s Arts & Entertainment (A&E) Districts are charged with developing and promoting community involvement, tourism, and revitalization through tax-related incentives that attract artists, arts organizations, and other creative enterprises to towns and cities across the State. As hyper-local service organizations at the intersection of arts and economic development, A&E Districts are uniquely positioned to deliver direct service to artists and businesses - including the coordination of disaster relief efforts for specific populations - while maintaining an eye on long-term economic, tourism, and promotion goals.   

This discussion with the leaders of Baltimore's four A&E Districts, Baltimore City's Planning Department, and the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), convened by the Arts Funders Affinity Group, is a follow-up to discussions in October of 2018 and July of 2019. In part spurred by the initial discussion, district leaders now meet monthly, district management is now embedded within four community development corporations, the City of Baltimore is providing $50,000 in operating support per district per year as well as city-level coordination via the Planning Department, and MSAC is providing $15,000 in operating support per district per year, with additional accountability measures in place. 

During this web-meeting, the districts, the City Planning Department, and MSAC will provide brief updates followed by a discussion about possible collective actions to maximize the benefits of and support to A&E districts so that they continue to generate social and economic benefits, including response to the COVID-19 emergency. Key leaders, including those heading host organizations of Baltimore A&E districts, are invited to this conversation. 

Funders interested in arts, capacity building, and community investment are encouraged to attend. 

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