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Executive Director's Letter - 10/24/23

This is a time of innovation at the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance (GBCA) as we expand and enrich our programs for the cultural community. This past year, thanks to our generous supporters, we have and will continue to recognize, award, and advocate for a diverse sector of artists, arts administrators, and organizations, elevating the exceptional talent found in every corner of Baltimore.

If you're thinking about contributing to GBCA in a significant way, now is a great time to give and maximize your support.

GBCA was awarded $35,000 in tax credits by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. What does this mean? Now through year-end, businesses and individuals who make a donation of $500 or more can receive a state tax credit equaling 50% of their donation. For example, your gift of $1,000 today will earn you $500 in tax credits on your 2023 tax return, and that is in addition to any other state and federal charitable deductions for which you may be eligible.

If you would like to take advantage of this unique tax benefit, email Lauren Saunders, GBCA’s Director of Development and Membership at [email protected] to request the required form and claim your credits today. For more information about the Community Investment Tax Credit program, click here.

Your gift to GBCA strengthens arts and culture in ways that ensure a beautiful and healthier future for Baltimore. Thank you in advance for your support and for championing creativity throughout our region!

GBCA is thrilled to partner with the Waterfront Partnership, with support from the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund to present the November edition of the Baltimore x Baltimore Festival at the Inner Harbor on Saturday, November 4, titled the Baker Artists Extravaganza.

Past Baker Artist Awardee and GBCA Board Member Wendel Patrick is serving as curator and host of this exciting (and free) event, which will feature artists from the Baker Artist Portfolios, including several other past awardees including Scott Patterson and the Kojo Red, Lafayette Gilchrist, as well as other artists on the Baker Portfolios such as Ill Conscious, Jamal R. Moore, Zadia, and J Pope and the Hear and Now. The event will also feature vendors, food trucks, and other artists for your enjoyment! You can learn more about the event here.

Are you an artist with a Baker Artist Portfolio who is interested in showing or selling your work at the Baker Artists Extravaganza on November 4th? Click here to sign-up!

Speaking of friends, congratulations to artist and Urban Arts Leadership (UAL) Alumna, Megan Lewis! Lewis has been selected as one of three winning artists in SunChips' 2023 Art Seen program, which highlights the work of diverse artists with nationwide exposure. As a reward, one of Lewis's designs will be featured on bags of the brand's Harvest Cheddar flavor, which will be marked with an Art Seen badge and sold all over the country, according to a press release. Lewis will also have a mural of her work— which includes paintings and works that showcase Black men and women, among other subjects — installed at 2423 18th St. in Washington, D.C. Woot, woot!!

Become a Member

As a member of GBCA, you will not only gain access to wonderful benefits, but you will also become an active participant in a broader cultural community. Your organization and employees will directly benefit from opportunities to collaborate, connect, learn, network and share with your colleagues in the cultural community. Join our growing constituency of over 300 individual artists and organizations representing the region's extraordinary range of arts, culture, history, heritage, humanities, and attractions.

Join Today