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Executive Director's Letter - 6/13/23

Happy Pride Month!

June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer and/or questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic/agender (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month. This month-long celebration demonstrates how LGBTQIA+ Americans have strengthened our country by using their talent and creativity to help create awareness and goodwill. The first Pride March in New York City was held on June 28, 1970, on the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. These days, it’s essential that we raise our voices in support of our LQBTQIA+ friends and family.

In the Baltimore region, Pride is celebrated throughout the month culminating with a parade on June 26. Events range from drag shows, to bar-b-ques, to a 5K race, and of course, the Rocky Horror Show at Theater Project produced by Iron Crow Theater. You can also catch comedian Judy Gold performing at the Gordon Center for the Performing Arts as part of the Third Annual Queer Jewish Arts Festival. For even more activities and events, our friends over at the Baltimore Beat have put together an exciting events listing, which include venues such as the Ottobar, Baltimore Soundstage, The Crown, and many more.

On behalf of the GBCA Board and staff, I’d like to send a warm welcome to Todd Yuhanick who has been appointed as the interim CEO by the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA) Board of Directors. At the same time, the search continues for the permanent leader of the City’s primary arts and culture presenting organization, Film Office, and Arts Council.

Congratulations are also in order for Maryland Citizens for the Arts who, last week, organized the Maryland Arts Summit at UMBC. It was two days of rich learning and connections. The Summit was followed on Monday by Maryland Nonprofits’ terrific 2023 Advocacy Recharge in partnership with the Maryland Association of Resources for Families and Youth (MARFY), Maryland Latinos Unidos (MLU), and Maryland Philanthropy Network. We are fortunate that these two organizations are leading the charge to advocate for the nonprofit sector, and specifically arts and culture.

Spread the love,

Jeannie

P.S. It’s almost Father’s Day weekend and in Baltimore that means AFRAM. This year, Baltimore Jazz Alliance (BJA) announced that Baltimore Jazz Fest will be part of Baltimore’s AFRAM, one of the largest African American festivals on the east coast.

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