By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com
Artscape recently returned to Baltimore, drawing thousands to the event that has become a hallmark of artistic expression and community spirit. Held from Aug. 2 to Aug. 4, 2024, artists and art lovers from around the region and beyond descended on Baltimore in hopes of experiencing good music, great food and innovative art exhibits.
Artscape is the largest free arts festival in the nation. Community leaders and elected officials alike celebrated the 40th edition of the annual community oriented, creativity fueled gathering from Aug. 2 to Aug. 4. Shown here, the men of DuPont Brass on the Artscape main stage on Aug. 3. (AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor)
This year’s Artscape festival lived up to its reputation as the largest free arts festival in the nation. Over the three day event, attendees were treated to an electrifying mix of artistic exhibitions, performances and interactive experiences that showcased the rich diversity of Charm City’s creative scene.
“It’s these kinds of cultural events that make the difference in people loving a place and being a part of a place,” said Mark Thomas, president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee. “I like Artscape because it really makes a difference in exposing people to the art scene and the culture. This is a great thing for us to continue to invest in and make sure it becomes even more impactful.”
Thomas used the weekend to network and enjoy the festival offerings, while also purchasing some art pieces for his home.
The festival had over 150 vendor booths, each offering a unique glimpse into the world of visual arts. From eye-catching multimedia installations to intricate traditional artworks like paintings and photography, the array of exhibits displayed the depth of local and national talent. Noteworthy installations included a large-scale interactive mural that allowed visitors to contribute their own artistic touches, and a series of thought-provoking sculptures that explored themes of community and identity.
“This festival provides a lot of exposure to culture,” said Jeffrey Kent, a conceptual artist known for his paintings.“It’s bringing culture and art to the street and Black people don’t normally get access to that.”
Shalonda Stokes, president of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, enjoys Artscape 2024 with Rachel Graham, executive director of the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts. (AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor)
Aside from visual art, music lovers were not disappointed, as the festival featured an impressive lineup of performances across multiple stages. Musical offerings included jazz, classical music, hip-hop and more.
Headlining acts included The Original Wailers, Sheila E. and Chaka Khan. However both Sheila E. and Chaka Khan were unable to perform due to inclement weather.
As a result, local bands had their moment in the sun—and the rain— showcasing the burgeoning talent within the city.
Known for being one of the biggest stages for local artists to establish themselves, Artscape is a safe space for many artists that are just getting their start. Mayor Brandon M. Scott spoke on the importance of Artscape.
“One of the best things about Artscape is how we promote local artists. To see our own folks on the stage is a great way to honor Baltimore artists both old and new. That’s why we love Artscape and our city so much,” he said.
Rachel Graham, CEO of the Baltimore Office for Promotion and The Arts (BOPA), also spoke on what the festival means to Charm City.
Jolynn Brooks (left) and Henry Gregory wait for Chaka Khan to appear on the Artscape’s main stage on Aug. 2. Ultimately, the headliners on day one and day two of the festival were canceled due to thunderstorms in the area. (AFRO Photo / Alexis Taylor)
“There’s no other place in the world it could happen,” she said. “This is a celebration of Baltimore as an arts hub and a cultural mecca. We are celebrating and supporting artists from around the city. You can’t move it because you can’t get that secret sauce that’s available in Baltimore anywhere else, but Baltimore.”
One of the festival’s standout features was its focus on interactive and family-friendly activities. Attendees of all ages had the chance to engage in hands-on art workshops, from pottery making to digital art creation.
The festival’s Family Zone was a hit, providing a range of activities designed for younger visitors, including craft stations and puppet shows that delighted children and parents alike.
The 40th Artscape festival was more than just a celebration of the arts–it was a reaffirmation of Baltimore’s commitment to fostering creativity and community. The event highlighted the importance of public art and cultural gatherings in bringing people together and enriching their lives.
“It’s important that we do this because this is a very important economic sector to this city,” said Graham. “There’s so much cultural richness. What better way to celebrate than to bring it all together in one place at one time.”
