The largest free arts festival in the country is coming back. Next July, “Camp Artscape” will take over a handful of neighborhoods surrounding Penn Station for a long weekend aiming to transport city dwellers away to a more open, nature-filled setting.
The theme for the 36th annual showcase centers around the experience of leaving civilization to be in the great outdoors. According to a release from the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, which organizes the event, “the theme allows all involved to step out of their comfort zone, learn something new, and experience the adventure that awaits in Baltimore.”
“Camp Artscape” is scheduled to take place from July 21-23, 2017. There’s no telling what works will end up in the festival just yet based on the name, but one could guess that we’ll see some picturesque views and imagery from the wilderness right in some of the city’s most urban-looking neighborhoods.
With the announcement of the theme out of the way, BOPA is now accepting applications for entries for all aspects of the festival, ranging from the four interactive or outdoor anchor projects to the decked-out cars that will be featured in the festival’s Art Car Show and Parade. These are the due dates for each category:
Jan. 17, 2017: Janet and Walter Sondheim Artscape Prize
Feb. 24, 2017: Anchor projects, interactive installations/sculptures on the Charles Street Trail
March 10, 2017: Food Vendors
March 31, 2017: Art Cars, Artist-Run Art Fair, Artists’ Market (and its Emerging Artist Program), “Field Work” exhibition Inside MICA’s Pinkard Gallery, Gamescape, Kidscape, LOL @ Artscape, exhibition space for arts organizations, performing artists
April 30, 2017: Fred Lazarus IV Artscape Prize
May 5, 2017: “In the Neighborhood” businesses and organizations
We’ll keep you posted as we learn more about the attractions coming to take over Charm City next July. For now, you can click here to read up on the application process and other details for any areas that pique your interest.
