2019 CIIP Program Book CIIP Booklet 2019 | Page 46

“Welcome to the non-profit space” was my favorite punchline of the summer. Whenever I was
met with any road block in my work in Station North, that was always the answer. From capacity to
problem solving, the fault was often placed on the nature of “The Work,” capitalized for empha-
sis of the distinct challenges in the non-profit sector. Initially confused at the nonchalance of the
statement, I realized the beauty behind its existence: consistency. When meetings get cancelled
due to lack of attendance, community members don’t respond to pressing emails, and capacity
doesn’t allow for individualized attention for projects, at least we know that everyone else is also
experiencing the struggle, yet still choose to push forward for the value of a job well-done for a
cause that’s worthwhile. A community worth serving.
Community has been without a doubt the strongest aspect of my time with CIIP, both in my place-
ment and with my cohort. It goes well beyond simple recognition by my peers for perseverance,
but a heart-felt, genuine support system of people who will do anything in their means to support
me because they believe in me, The Work, and Baltimore. And hope is so hard to come by these
days.
These communities were instrumental in helping me understand my role of service in Baltimore
this summer and beyond. I initially began my internship with a lack of confidence in navigating this
period of transition for Station North. But with each week, I had the opportunity to wear new hats,
talk to new people, and, most importantly, learn about myself and others. Without the stories and
reflections of others, I would be limited to the isolation of my own experiences. Which would be as
faulty as growing plants without sunshine.
The passion and dedication of the artists I met in the District, my supervisors, and my peers and
their organizations is a constant source of inspiration. And while entering the non-profit space
means putting out fires as they come, it also means joining a community of individuals who care,
understand, and choose to continue The Work with an unleashed drive towards progress.
• Administered the reporting of two different grant funding programs
• Created the framework of a comprehensive, active directory of Dis-
trict assets, venues, businesses, and artists
• Conducted community outreach and assessment of potential areas
of improvement for artist and venue resources
• Managed the finalization and launch of a newly rebranded website
Community Partner: Station North
Arts & Entertainment District, Inc.
Intern: Madeline Amonick
Site Supervisor: Ashley Wallace
What is Station North Arts & Enter-
tainment District, Inc.?
Station North Arts & Entertainment,
Inc. employs an arts-based revital-
ization and placemaking strategy by
managing quality public art proj-
ects, providing thought-provoking
programming, and forging strong
supportive relationships with local
artists, designers, residents, busi-
nesses, and institutions to guide
development in the Station North
Arts & Entertainment District.
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