BALTIMORE: Baltimore Center Stage (BCS) has announced their Shared Space Initiative, a new program to create a more equitable arts ecology in the Baltimore region. The initiative will allow artists and organizations to share the theatre’s physical space, including offices, rehearsal spaces, costume and scenic shops, and performance spaces.
“We know that for artists and creative changemakers in Baltimore and beyond, access to resources like space, networks, finances, and more is not equitably distributed,” said Annalisa Dias, the theatre’s director of artistic partnerships and innovation, in a statement. “We also know this scarcity drives competition rather than collaboration. Our new Shared Space Initiative will help enrich and solidify our community’s robust cultural economy.”
The Shared Space Initiative will allow artists, neighbors, and community organizations to use BCS spaces for events, meetings, rehearsals, and festivals. Additionally, partners will be able to consult with BCS staff members. Organizations whose values and missions align with BCS will receive fully subsidized access to BCS spaces, as well as marketing and producing support from staff.
BCS has been piloting the Shared Space Initiative for the past two years through one-off events and conversations with community partners, including Native American LifeLines, the Black Arts District, and LoveGroove Entertainment.
“The new Shared Space Initiative magnifies the role of BCS as a cultural catalyst in support of the powerful creative ecosystem in Baltimore,” BCS managing director Adam Frank said in a statement. “As a flagship theatre, we think it’s our responsibility to act from a mindset of abundance, expanding access to resources that enable artists to flourish and helping build the interdependent relationships that make our communities thrive.”
Organizations can apply for space on the BCS website.
Baltimore Center Stage, the state theatre of Maryland, provides high-quality theatre and programming for community members, including youth and families. BCS ignites conversations and imaginations through an eclectic season of professional productions and engaging community and education programs. As of 2022, the theatre had a budget of approximately $7.7 million.
