Executive Director's Letter
December 29, 2015

Samuel Hoi, President of the Maryland Institute College of Art, in a letter this week to the editors of the Baltimore Sun, discussed the ways in which the arts and culture sector provide leadership in strengthening the city and region. He also observed, “But we can do this only if the private sector, which is ready to build and invest here, can work with strong, decisive public leadership. As we look to this upcoming mayoral race, the commitment to building arts and culture programs to scale — ensuring creativity and opportunity is built into every individual life —must be a priority.”

His thinking reflects a growing awareness that with engagement in the political process, those committed to arts and culture can significantly impact how future leaders both support and deploy the assets of the creative sector. It’s a new year, a new day.

You can become involved by joining Citizen Artist, a growing movement to organize around the upcoming primary elections. The first “listening session” will take place next week at 6:30pm on Tuesday, January 5 at The D Center. Additional meetings scheduled throughout the city will follow this. You can find the list of dates and locations by clicking here. Register, get active, and make your voice heard.

Calling all artists! The final days of the winter break are a perfect time to work on your Baker Portfolio and to organize your Rubys grant application. Start your 2016 off on the right foot and show the world what you have to offer.

Finally, I hope you will take a moment to support GBCA with a year-end gift. Your contribution today is eligible for a match from the Aaron and Lillie Straus Foundation and will help support the many organizations and artists who are vital to our community.

Happy New Year!

Jeannie