By Ericka Alston Buck,
Special to the AFRO
In a celebration of culture, empowerment and community, the Black Arts District (BAD) recently convened for its annual community meeting at the New Song Community Center in Sandtown. At the heart of their mission lies a commitment to use an anti-displacement framework to empower Black creatives and contribute to the ongoing community-based revitalization efforts in West Baltimore through culture, arts and entertainment.
New Song Community Center was packed with a diverse audience. Attendees included staff, board members, local artists, students, investors, supporters and stakeholders, all coming together to celebrate the achievements of the past year and outline the ambitious goals for the future.
One of the focal points of the evening was the presentation of the Black Arts District’s annual report, a testament to the organization’s impactful work in the community. The report showcased impressive accomplishments, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to its mission and the tangible results of their efforts.
At the meeting, the agency reported that In the previous year, the Black Arts District hosted events that drew an impressive 10,397 attendees, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm for the arts. The agency provided a substantial $242,080 in funding to support Black creatives, fostering a nurturing environment for artistic endeavors within the community. This financial support was complemented by the training of 696 artists, demonstrating a commitment to education and skill development within the creative community.
A total of 147 curated events further enriched the cultural vibrancy of West Baltimore, showcasing the diversity of artistic expression and attracting a broad audience. The Black Arts District’s impact extended to supporting 769 artists, emphasizing its role as a pillar of encouragement for the local creative community.
The agency also secured 119 community sponsorships, highlighting collaboration and partnership within the community. Beyond mere numbers, the Black Arts District celebrated a milestone by awarding its first $20,000 Emerging Artist Fellowship. The money will go. Long way in recognizing and supporting emerging talents within the community. Additionally, a significant $140,000 from the creative community sponsorship fund was dispersed to further enhance the cultural landscape of West Baltimore.
The evening commenced with a powerful spoken word performance by local artist Black Chakra, whose original piece titled “Love Me Black” set the stage for a thought-provoking, enlightening and promising event. Lady Brion, the executive director of BAD, intentionally took a back seat during the evening, choosing to applaud the collective efforts of her team and the board.
Dayvon Love, who serves as director of public policy for the local think tank Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, is also chairman of the board for the Black Arts District.
“The purpose of the annual meeting of the Black Arts District is to provide the community an opportunity to learn about the work that the organization is doing and to ask questions directly to those in the organization,” said Love. “We hope that those who attended will find ways to connect to the work of BAD.”
During the event, Brion Gill, known as “Lady Brion,” outlined the ambitious goals of the nonprofit organization, geared towards supporting and cultivating a space for local artists to be seen, showcased, and supported. A standout initiative is the development of the “Sanaa Center,” Swahili for “work of art.” This state-of-the-art, multi-million-dollar headquarters aims to provide a thriving space for local art. With a $16 million price tag, the organization has already raised an impressive $3 million towards this transformative project.
The Black Arts District’s annual meeting was not just a reflection on past achievements but a promising glimpse into the future.
The organization’s commitment to empowering Black creatives, fostering community-based revitalization, and providing a platform for artistic expression is a beacon of inspiration for Baltimore’s cultural landscape. As Lady Brion and her team look towards the realization of the “Sanaa Center,” BAD continues to be a driving force in shaping a vibrant and inclusive arts community in West Baltimore for good.
