By Layla Eason
Special to the AFRO
Creative Alliance recently selected Jason Steer as the new executive director. The organization released a statement on the decision to have Steer join Creative Alliance after a career at New York’s renowned Apollo Theatre, where he held a variety of senior leadership positions in programming, education, and youth development.
With more than 20 years of experience, Steer stands out for his dedication to community involvement, inclusion, strategic program development, and building partnerships throughout his career such as talent development on and off-screen.
“Baltimore presents an exhilarating opportunity for me to merge my personal journey with the diverse narratives of the city,” Steer said on his appointment. “As a creator, an immigrant, and a Black man, I’ve navigated the complexities of being misunderstood, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of art in giving voice to the voiceless.”
Steer is an inclusivity advocate who uses his innovative thinking to amplify voices that are often silenced, making sure their voices are heard, respected, and empowered. He has a degree in studio art with a concentration in sociology, which gives him a deep understanding of the relationship between art and culture. This allows him to interact with people who are interested in the arts from different cultural backgrounds.
During Steer’s tenure at the Apollo, he was a key contributor to the development of the Apollo’s comprehensive arts & entertainment succession pipeline program, which enabled the development of up-and-coming artists in the arts while fostering strong community connections.
Steer has joined Creative Alliance to create a season-long series of three disciplines: roots of creativity, live out loud, and feel the rhythm. One of the featured events is the Baltimore Crankie Festival which is a hand-cranked and scrolling panoramic storytelling event featuring live music. The event is set to return in May.
Another event is the Great Halloween Lantern Parade and Festival which is celebrating its 25th anniversary and will also be held in May. The final event is the Walk By On exhibition, a collaboration between Baltimore artists and Charm City’s sister city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. During this event, there will be a series of movement, culinary courses, and creative arts classes in the Creativity Center.
“In Baltimore, with its rich cultural tapestry, I see a canvas where art can be a bridge, connecting diverse experiences and fostering deeper understanding beyond words,” Steer said. “My aspiration is to contribute, even in modest ways, to amplifying the voices of artists and their creations in this vibrant community, championing their stories as they shape the city’s unique identity.”
Creative Alliance’s five-year strategic plan focuses on developing programs that promote personal growth and self-empowerment, social cohesion and community, and career development for artists.
The alliance’s state-of-the-art Creativity Center opened in November 2022, offering a variety of courses and workshops for teens and adults, as well as free after-school programs for low-income families.
In 2024, Amy Seto, Brown Advisory Partner and longtime Creative Alliance patron and supporter, will take office as the organization’s board president.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jason Steer to Creative Alliance and to Baltimore. Jason brings to us his vision and experience in spearheading impactful initiatives and cultivating strategic collaborations. He will lead our beloved staff and organization to new heights,” Seto said.
The Baltimore community will benefit from Steer’s breadth of experience, creative leadership, and dedication to service. Steer’s story continues to be an example of how arts and culture can positively impact lives and communities.
