Black Lives Matter

To our Station North Arts District Community -

Station North Arts and Entertainment stands in solidarity with Black leaders and others who are working to end police brutality, the dehumanization of people of color, and dismantle the systems that perpetuate structural racism. 

The Station North Arts and Entertainment District believes in the power of artists and arts-based strategies to guide equitable community development and improve the quality of life of all residents. We acknowledge our profound responsibility to examine and disrupt racism and uplift Black voices within our circles of influence. We welcome opportunities for dialogue and self-reflection that can lead to change within our organization and our district. We affirm and commit to learning, listening, and taking action to promote equitable outcomes for artists, designers, residents, visitors, and businesses within the Station North Arts and Entertainment District.

 The organization operates in three primary focus areas: promotion, activation and advocacy. Some actions we are immediately engaged in:

 Promotion

  • Increasing representation of Black organizational leaders, community representatives, artists and creatives in our leadership structure.

  • Highlighting Black businesses and artists in our district through social media, and on our website, map and directories. 

Activation 

  • Focusing upcoming programming on Black creatives, artists, and Black-owned businesses in the district.

  • Advocating for the Ynot lot as an inclusive, safe and inviting space for Black artists, performance and community activities. 

Advocacy

  • Increasing visibility of the challenges faced by Black artists and leverage our position to attract meaningful resources to address these barriers. 

  • Reaching out to Black artists and others who may be isolated from Central Baltimore’s social service network and anticipated COVID-19 eviction prevention support

  • Working to infuse equity, art and culture into every aspect of community revitalization, intentionally creating opportunities for everyone to benefit from new programs and projects.

Our vision for the district is exemplified by a thriving and diverse arts ecosystem, driven by a vibrant, multi-disciplinary and evolving creative community with access to the tools, resources and assets it needs to flourish. Black artists, creatives and businesses owners are at the center of that vision. We call on leaders, our partners, and friends to take action by celebrating Black voices, supporting Black artists and investing in Black creative entrepreneurship and innovation in the Station North Arts District and beyond. We will continue to share resources, stories and work to make this vision a reality.  

The Board of the Station North Arts and Entertainment District

 

 

Abby Becker