FAQ

Artscape 2025 marks a bold reimagination of Baltimore’s much beloved arts festival. Expect a more curated experience, a focus on placemaking and sustainable art installations, and a citywide expansion that transforms Baltimore into an immersive cultural destination. Key highlights include:

• Scout Art Fair – A premier fine art fair curated by Derrick Adams.
• Scalable Festival Tracks – Featuring film & tv, music, culinary arts, in conversation talk series and multidisciplinary experiences.
• Immersive Art Installations – Large-scale public art, green space activations, and interactive projects.
• Fewer Vendors, More Experiences – A refined selection of high-quality, artist-driven activations.

40 years ago, Artscape was envisioned as more than a festival—it was an economic catalyst. Designed to elevate Baltimore’s arts and culture scene, it played a pivotal role in positioning Mt. Vernon as a creative hub while generating community and financial support for the newly built Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.

• Today, that same bold vision drives us forward. As part of Mayor Scott’s Downtown Rise Initiative, Artscape 2025 moves to the heart of Downtown Baltimore, leveraging the power of art to ignite reinvestment, attract new energy, and reimagine the city’s urban core. By transforming streets, historic sites, and public spaces into vibrant cultural destinations, Artscape will continue to serve as a powerful platform for artistic expression, fostering community engagement and cultural innovation. With art at its core, Artscape reaffirms its role as a transformative force in Baltimore’s cultural landscape.

• Just as it did four decades ago, Artscape isn’t just about celebrating art—it’s about shaping Baltimore’s future.

The decision was made collaboratively by the Mayor’s Office, the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA), and key city stakeholders, with a shared vision of maximizing Artscape’s cultural and economic impact on Baltimore. The move aligns with broader efforts to reimagine downtown as a thriving cultural and business district.

A detailed street closure map will be released closer to the festival dates. Expect closures in key areas of Downtown Baltimore to accommodate art installations, stages, and pedestrian-friendly activations.

There will be a disruption in services on Sunday, May 25, 2025. As a result, the Farmers’ Market season will be extended by one weekend.

During Artscape the Sondheim semifinalist exhibition will take place at The Peale. The Peale is Baltimore’s Community Museum, and the first museum purposefully built in the United States. It is located at 225 Holliday Street in the heart of downtown Baltimore. The Sondheim Finalist Exhibition and Awards Ceremony will still take place at the Walters Art Museum.

Scout Art Fair is a brand-new addition to Artscape 2025, curated by renowned artist Derrick Adams. Hosted at the historic War Memorial Building, Scout is a premier fine art showcase featuring over 50 acclaimed and emerging artists from Baltimore, the DMV region, and beyond. The fair blends gallery-quality exhibitions, live artist talks, and interactive experiences, making it a must-see cultural destination.

The fair features a curated selection of established and rising artists across various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, and mixed media. Participation is by invitation or application, with a focus on artists whose work reflects Baltimore’s creative energy and cultural significance.

Scout reinforces Artscape’s commitment to artistic excellence, elevating Baltimore’s presence in the national art scene. It creates a fine art anchor within the festival, providing a focused space for collectors, curators, and art lovers while maintaining Artscape’s tradition of community engagement and inclusivity

Yes! Artscape remains a free, open-to-the-public festival with interactive art, live performances, and cultural experiences. While some premium experiences may be ticketed, the heart of the festival remains accessible to all.

Applications for artists, vendors, and performers will open February 14, 2025, and close March 17, 2025. Final decisions will be announced March 28, 2025

Vendors will receive notifications by March 25, 2025. Due to Artscape’s refined curation model, we are prioritizing Baltimorean and Marylanders, artist-driven food and retail experiences.

The City and BOPA are working in partnership to execute a world-class festival that aligns with Baltimore’s vision for cultural equity, economic impact, and creative innovation. City agencies, local businesses, and community partners are collaborating to ensure Artscape’s success.

Artscape is funded through a combination of city allocations, private sponsorships, grant funding, and in-kind support. We are actively securing corporate and philanthropic partners who share our vision for an elevated, artist-first festival experience.

The city will work closely with MTA and local transit authorities to ensure easy access to festival zones. Expect re-routed bus services, designated drop-off zones, and expanded mobility access.

We are working with MTA and city officials to explore options for reduced or free transit services during the festival. Stay tuned for updates.

A list of designated indoor shelters and emergency procedures will be provided in advance. Safety remains our priority, and we will have on-site emergency response teams and clear public communication channels in place.