Photo Credit: Edwin Remsberg
Because of the ongoing Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) announces cancellations and updates for its Summer 2020 calendar of events.
Following mass gathering restrictions, BOPA’s large-scale summer events Artscape 2020 and Baltimore’s 4th of July Celebration have been canceled. The Janet & Walter Sondheim Artscape Prize exhibitions will proceed on a virtual platform this year.
BOPA will continue to adapt its annual programming and seek alternatives including virtual platforms in response to the health crisis. Announcements will be made accordingly in the coming weeks.
In collaboration with Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young’s office, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our large-scale events this summer. For all of us, the health and safety of attendees, staff, participants and volunteers is our primary concern.
The cancellation of these major events impacts so many—artists, performers and exhibitors, as well as our production staff, crew, vendors, production assistants, volunteers and neighbors—however, large gatherings of the community are not possible at this time.
We are looking into ways we can virtually celebrate and showcase the arts in Baltimore this summer and we look forward to resuming healthy gatherings across the city when it is safe to do so.
Donna Drew Sawyer
CEO, Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts
Artscape 2020 Canceled, Returns in 2021
Artscape, Baltimore’s largest and most beloved annual arts festival attracts an average audience of more than 300,000 people to Midtown Baltimore and the Station North Arts & Entertainment District each summer. BOPA looks forward to returning in 2021 stronger and healthier, as part of the City’s recovery, ready to celebrate the landmark 40th anniversary of Artscape.
The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts continues to plan for the best way to remain connected with Artscape artists and the community this summer. While the wait for Artscape is now longer than expected, look for BOPA announcements soon regarding virtual content and opportunities that will keep the Artscape spirit alive.
Despite this cancellation, the 15th annual Janet & Walter Sondheim Artscape Prize, an Artscape tradition, will continue this year. The $25,000 finalist award and exhibition will take place on a virtual platform with details announced soon.
Baltimore’s 4th of July Celebration & Picnic at the Top
Canceled for 2020, Baltimore’s 4th of July Celebration commemorates the Declaration of Independence with a live music performance and fireworks display at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. In addition, Picnic at the Top, held at Top of the World Observation Level, is also canceled.
During this critical time of social distancing, BOPA remains connected to the creative pulse of Baltimore through several initiatives. At the sudden onset of the mandatory stay at home declaration in Maryland, BOPA collaborated with several area arts organization to launch the Baltimore Artists Emergency Relief Fund. The generosity of funders and individuals enabled the fund to distribute more than $161,000 in grants to independent artists.
Information on BOPA initiatives is available on www.promotionandarts.org and BOPA’s social media channels. Look to Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for updates on arts resources, virtual art displays, and to learn about how Baltimore’s creative community is keeping the arts thriving remotely.