Skip to main content

Baltimore Informal Educators Roundtable (BIER)

Upholding our belief that our sector is stronger together, the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance (GBCA) is pleased to announce the creation of the Baltimore Informal Educators Roundtable (BIER).

Who is BIER?

BIER is a community of informal educators affiliated individually or through their organization with GBCA. This community of practice will provide a space in which individual educators can network with each other, share ideas, grow their own practice, and explore areas of overlap in their work.

    What does BIER do?

    The group will meet approximately six times per year for networking and learning experiences, including workshops, informal lunch and talk sessions, and invitations to cultural events. With this group, GBCA will collect resources and make them available to all members through a shared Google Drive.

    What are BIER's Principles?

    • Members of BIER are antiracist, and committed to principles of justice and equity, particularly as informal educators in our communities.

    • In the 21st century where we find so many instances of isolation, BIER works intentionally to create a meaningful sense of belonging.

    • The history, evolution, resilience, and aesthetics of Baltimore provide a context for and inform BIER's work. Members of BIER are committed to supporting rigor and excellence from all informal learning experiences, and building resilience and enrichment in our community.

    • Members of BIER are committed to accessibility and anti-ableism.

    Where will BIER meetings take place?

    We meet at cultural organizations when possible. When this is not possible, we meet at the Motor House, hosted by GBCA. We also anticipate offering some virtual and hybrid meetings.



    Upcoming BIER Events:

    BIER Kick-Off Event, Friday, September 22: BIER's first meeting will be on Friday, September 22, at the annual Bmore Historic Unconference, where there will be a session to get feedback from cultural educators in attendance. You can register for the conference here.

    Exhibition Discussion, Tuesday, October 17: Join BIER on Tuesday, October 17th from 3:00 - 5:00pm at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, where there will be a viewing and discussion of the new exhibit Vision & Spirit. More details about registering for this event and what to expect will be added here and sent out in early October.


    BIER Steering Committee:

    Individuals interested in joining a 2023-2024 Steering Committee to further shape BIER's objectives and events are welcome! Please contact Lauren Saunders, Director of Development and Membership, at [email protected] if you would like to participate.

    GBCA is sincerely grateful for the efforts of the following individuals and thanks them for their leadership in establishing this important initiative:

    Become a Member

    As a member of GBCA, you will not only gain access to wonderful benefits, but you will also become an active participant in a broader cultural community. Your organization and employees will directly benefit from opportunities to collaborate, connect, learn, network and share with your colleagues in the cultural community. Join our growing constituency of over 300 individual artists and organizations representing the region's extraordinary range of arts, culture, history, heritage, humanities, and attractions.

    Join Today

    Charity Bavigator Four-Star Rating Badge
    Support for GBCA encourages transformational creativity throughout Greater Baltimore and ensures the continued progress of our region’s cultural community. Please consider making a gift to our Annual Fund today. Thank you!