It is with great pleasure that I am writing to introduce the 2024 class of Urban Arts Leadership! In a further celebration of the program’s tenth anniversary, the following emerging leaders have been accepted and have already begun their work as a cohort.
Rhythm Ajanku
Rhythm Ajanku is focused on marketing strategies, branding, and content creation. He believes his participation in the fellowship presents an exceptional opportunity to engage in valuable networking and collaborative endeavors with like-minded individuals.
Gloria Badmos
Gloria Badmos is a disability advocate and founder of A.S.K. Foundation, a visionary organization that serves the homeless, youth, the disabled, as well as people interested in employment and entrepreneurship. She joined the fellowship to amplify her leadership qualities.
Khari Harrison
Khari Harrison is an independent and self-motivated emerging leader with proven skills in marketing, leadership, time management, and customer service. Khari plans to meet stakeholder needs and shape strategies for the arts sector.
Tracie Jiggetts
Tracie Jiggetts is a Baltimore-based interdisciplinary artist who specializes in performance. Urban Arts Leadership will empower her to lead community development in the arts sector.
Kion Lumford
Kion Lumford is a recent Coppin State University alum who is an aspiring graphic novelist. Kion believes Urban Arts Leadership will present opportunities to network with new people and foster new opportunities.
Eleisha Faith McCorkle
Faith McCorkle is passionate about uplifting the youth, intergenerational healing, and creating from the soul. She joined Urban Arts Leadership to develop arts administration skills, financial management skills, and learn more ways to engage with the community.
Melvin Trusty
Melvin Trusty plans to help artists to be entrepreneurs to build future-proof and purpose-driven organizations that make an impact on the economy, community, and beyond. Urban Arts Leadership will help him build connections with people and organizations.
Sierra Smith
Sierra has experience as an arts administrator with a passion for marketing. She joined Urban Arts Leadership as an opportunity to lead and participate in projects and initiatives in diverse and inclusive environments.
We also have opportunities for UAL Host organizations. Applications for Fellowship placements for the spring of 2024 are now open and may be found here.
In other news, congratulations to the finalists for the 18th annual Janet & Walter Sondheim Art Prize, which is managed by the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts and is sponsored in part by the generosity of the Maryland State Arts Council. The 2023 finalists are Abigail Lucien, Kyrae Dawaun, and Nekisha Durrett. The winners will be announced at the award ceremony and reception at the Walters Art Museum on Thursday, August 17, 2023.
All my best,
Jeannie
P.S. Rest in peace Paul Ruebens. Pee Wee Herman was strange, inclusive, and wacky good. We could use more like him these days.
