Artist-run art gallery and studio Current Space has expanded thanks to a newly-granted liquor license.
The new license, which was created through state legislation by State Sen. Antonio Hayes, brings artists hope of “subsidizing and expanding arts programming” in Baltimore City.
Located in the Bromo Arts district and operating since 2004, Current Space is “committed to showcasing, developing, and broadening” the reach of local and international artists, serving as space for gathering of “artists, activists, performers, designers, and curators.”
With their new liquor license, the gallery will open its doors every Wednesday through Saturday and host events including “exhibitions, music, workshops, fashion show, drag, puppetry, performance art, poetry reading, and more.”
“This license is a big deal for us. It can provide financial sustainability and resilience for the art space operations, employment opportunities, funding for the arts, and more regularly scheduled programming,” said Current Space co-director Michael Benevento.
Guests can now purchase craft beers, select wines, and seasonal cocktails featuring herbs from the gallery’s garden.
“Our menu is inspired by our travels and road trips,” co-director Julianna Hamilton said. “We wanted to offer things that feel relaxed and summery, you’re hanging out in a friend’s backyard. We’ve been recipe testing for months to perfect drinks like the Full Bloom, which is a hibiscus-rose cocktail with an awesome Oaxacan rum and fresh mint. We wanted to offer things that feel relaxed and summery, like you’re hanging out in a friend’s backyard.”
The plant-filled courtyard bar area will be open seasonally April through October, Wednesday through Saturday from 5-11 p.m.
Current Space also received a $20,000 small business grant through BGE, which they will use to build a bar.
