Baltimore’s mayoral candidates have been criss-crossing the city to neighborhood forums. In most cases, they face questions about public safety, education, management skills, economic development and parks and recreation. Next week, a group of cultural organizations is looking to add the arts to the conversation.
The first mayoral forum on arts and culture issues is set for 6 p.m. on March 7, at MICA’s Brown Center (1301 W. Mt. Royal Ave.). All mayoral candidates were invited.
Read our Q&As with Baltimore mayoral candidates.
“Baltimore is at a pivotal juncture that demands audacious decisions to chart an ascending course forward,” MICA President Samuel Hoi said in a statement. “We must foster and invest in the talent of residents from all communities. The arts and education, with unique potential to strengthen our city’s future, need to be integral in our next Mayor’s leadership efforts.”
In addition to providing an opportunity to hear from the candidates, the forum also provided a chance for artists to identify the issues important to them. Prior to the event, the nonpartisan group Citizen Artist Baltimore conducted a listening tour, which culminated in a document on the community’s priorities. It will be shared with the candidates.
Along with MICA and CAB, the forum is organized by the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance, Maryland Citizens for the Arts and the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.
I sincerely hope none of the mayoral candidates will endorse filthy vile vulgar public art display like the current mayor. A monument honoring a person for eating dog shit. Mayor Blake is just Nasty !!!
I attended this event last night and only candidates within the democratic party, with exception of Joshua Harris of the Green Party, were allowed on stage. Independent candidates were invited but ushered to reserve seating in the audience. When will we hear from all the candidates running at these type forum? What happened to democracy? I thought it was disrespectful for MICA to invite someone, then not allow them to participate in the forum. MICA need to correct this problem.