Featured Member Project

Featured Member

Sankofa Dance Theatre dancers prepare for one of their free performances as part of Free Fall Baltimore. Photo courtesy of Sankofa Dance Theatre and Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts.

When the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA) set out to find a unique way to celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month, they thought big—very big. As in, more than 300 free arts events during October all over the city. Free Fall Baltimore is a collaboration of more than 85 arts organization in the Baltimore, MD area working together to present performances, lectures, exhibits, workshops, and hands-on creative experiences at no cost to the public. From special events and performances on select days to admission all season long at certain museums and historic sites, there is literally something to do for free every day.

Made possible by Mayor Sheila Dixon and BOPA, and funded by a grant from the City of Baltimore through the Creative Baltimore Fund, this unique promotion was designed to encourage everyone to experience the city’s sizzling arts scene. Free Fall Baltimore carries out the mission of BOPA, expanding the participation of new audiences in the arts, and championing the important role of creativity in building a vibrant city, energizing not just the arts scene, but Baltimore as a whole. Additionally, BOPA developed Free Fall Baltimore to increase access, interest, and attendance among families and young adults, who are the creative community’s future patrons. Programs designed for children are designated with a special “kid friendly” icon in Free Fall Baltimore promotional materials and on the website.

Arts organizations have been excited to get on board with Free Fall Baltimore, understanding that while their events might not generate revenue this time, participants who enjoy their experience will come back, purchase a ticket, and maybe pick up a souvenir. Participating organizations range from major institutions such as The Walters Art Museum and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to small groups as diverse as the Black Panther Rank and File Film Series of Maryland Institute College of Art and the Vagabond Readers’ Theatre written by outstanding high school playwrights and performed by senior citizens.

Free Fall Baltimore encompasses all that National Arts and Humanities Month is about—increasing arts participation in a community, encouraging collaboration among arts organizations, and investing in future creativity.