Please join us on Wednesday, February 28, at 5:00 p.m. to celebrate and honor Kevin Brown (pictured here), Owner and Head Chef of Nancy by SNAC, with GBCA’s inaugural Cultural Innovator Award. Kevin is not only a fixture in Station North, but has a long and storied track record of innovation and dedication to the arts and people of Baltimore. To mark the occasion and fete Kevin in person, GBCA is hosting a special Black History Month Happy Hour, at the Motor House Showroom. Follow this link for more information and to RSVP.
GBCA established the Cultural Innovator Award to recognize the exceptional contributions of individuals who go above and beyond in creating and supporting art in the Baltimore region. The award celebrates trailblazers who have been instrumental in driving cultural innovation in the region and to honor their commitment to artists, curators, educators, and enthusiasts alike. It also seeks to shed light on the efforts of individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes, often without recognition or fanfare.
Kevin is undeniably a cultural force both because of his rich, eclectic career and his unwavering efforts to foster an environment where creativity thrives. GBCA is grateful for the many ways that Kevin has envisioned new possibilities, challenged conventional norms, brought fresh perspectives, and lovingly nourished so many in the arts and culture community.
On another note, thank you to Maryland Citizens for the Arts for another amazing Maryland Arts Day! It was great to be back in person meeting with legislators one-on-one. GBCA staff fanned out with representatives from Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard Counties. Governor Moore's proposed FY 2025 State Budget calls for a record-setting appropriation for the arts. This would mean a $31 million appropriation for the Maryland State Arts Council if fully funded. We asked lawmakers to please:
- Support fully funding the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) at the mandated level of $31 million
- Support fully funding the Arts and Culture Capital Grant Program at $3 million
- Transfer the funds from the Preservation of Cultural Arts to MSAC
- Vote yes on SB 764 – a bill to establish an arts incubator workgroup. In addition to the MCA message, the Baltimore County delegation discussed challenges in County funding for the arts.
The Urban Arts Leadership (UAL) 2024 cohort arrived in Annapolis in force, along with several alumni. UAL alumnae Amanda Morrell (Deputy Director) and Tracy Stevens (Marketing Manager), both at Maryland Citizens of the Arts (MCA), and Twi McCallum, Community Engagement Manager at Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, all played leadership roles in this important event.
Hoping to see you on February 28! RSVP HERE.
