Executive Director's Letter
February 2, 2016
This morning, Citizen Artist Baltimore wrapped up its listening sessions, but it’s not too late to weigh in on the cultural communities priorities for the upcoming mayoral primary in April. You can still complete the online survey at CitizenArtist.vote. A great big thanks to our most recent hosts, Wombwork and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
Why are GBCA and its partners, Maryland Citizens for the Arts and the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation focused on April when the general election won’t take place until the fall? Historically, Baltimore’s mayoral election is decided in the primarydue to the fact that a wide majority of voters are registered for a single party. Citizen Artist is a non-partisan initiative that does not endorse a specific candidate. Our aim is to engage voters, to demonstrate the strength of the cultural sector, and to allow candidates to go on record so that their position on arts and culture is clear.
We also encourage voters to engage with their City Council candidates. They may not already be aware of the number of people committed to arts and culture that live in and contribute to their districts. And, while right now we are focusing on Baltimore City, it is also preparing GBCA and our partners for regional and statewide advocacy efforts.
The next step for the Citizen Artist Steering Committee is to prepare a survey for the candidates. Results of the surveys will be published and available online and in print. In addition, GBCA is working with Citizen Artist and Maryland Institute College of Art top organize a Mayoral Forum on Arts and Culture that will be held on Friday, March 11 at Favley Hall in the Brown Center. Pencil in that date right now! Given the strength of our community, every seat should be filled!
Most importantly, members and supporters of the creative sector must turn out to vote. If you are not already a registered voter, click here to learn more!
All the very best,
Jeannie
