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Baltimore is a fantastic wormhole full of surprising , interesting and shockingly deep projects , collaborations and creative businesses . I am never bored here .” and richness . These individuals , stories and projects consistently blow me away . When I read a story sent in by one of our contributors and I find myself in tears , I know we are onto something good . It ’ s difficult to not be inspired by this work !
HOW does the art in Baltimore compare to what is happening in other cities around the world ?
I travel a lot to conduct research — this means attending art fairs , museum exhibitions and gallery shows not just in Baltimore , but in Miami , New York , Memphis , San Francisco , Mexico City , Venice , and other art destinations . The art made in Baltimore is consistently high quality — the best of it can compete with the art I see on a global stage .
There are a number of artists whose careers are poised on the brink of much larger fame and success . Amy Sherald is a spectacular example , but she is not the only artist working at such a high and compelling level . Baltimore ’ s artists are paying attention to larger trends and are typically ahead of the curve , so I see a lot of energy and ambition that is wellinformed by the larger , global art world .
HOW does being based in
Baltimore influence resident artists ?
I know a lot of artists who moved to New York to elevate their careers , but found it too expensive to have a studio space or to find time to make their art . Baltimore is not perfect , but it does offer large and beautiful studios at a fraction of the cost , which allows for artists to take risks and make bigger projects . The art community in Baltimore has a lot of different factions , but art brings us together . We all value opportunities to work , play , perform and exhibit collectively , especially through artistrun initiatives , like independent theater , and nonprofit art spaces like Creative Alliance , Maryland Art Place and School 33 Art Center .
I think MICA plays a big role in the pool of talent that exists here , both in faculty and students , and I am pleased that MICA President Sammy Hoi has made it a priority to retain talent and to offer entrepreneurial mentorship opportunities . Also , there are a lot of grants and opportunities for artists here .
MEET LOCAL
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