The Arc Baltimore acted as the fiscal sponsor and grant consultant for the year-long Baltimore: The City of Accessible Arts (BCAA) project, dedicated to transforming Baltimore into a city where accessibility is a core standard of artistic practice. The group explored whether Baltimore is ready for a cross-institutional, access-centered arts consortium led by an intergenerational, multiracial, and cross-disability group of adults ranging in age from 35 to 77. The study included convenings, surveys, partner conversations, and consultant leadership.
BCAA’s paid leadership team launched monthly convenings this past year that brought together disabled artists, museums, galleries, art spaces, and organizations serving youth and adults with disabilities. These gatherings fostered candid dialogue about accessibility, highlighted successes, acknowledged challenges, and provided concrete resources. Each convening also featured a paid presentation by a disabled artist, underscoring our commitment to valuing lived expertise.
BCAA hosted 12 access-forward convenings at venues ranging from the James E. Lewis Museum of Art and the Walters Art Museum to Blind Industries and Services of Maryland and Wide Angle Youth Media. These gatherings fostered connection, buy-in, and momentum, culminating in a large-scale Public Convening on July 11, 2025, at the Enoch Pratt Library.
Key Feasibility Findings
- Clear demand for ongoing accessibility learning and support.
- Institutions want shared standards and community accountability.
- Disabled artists want leadership pathways, not advisory roles.
- Interest in Black disabled leadership, youth engagement, and anti-ableist work culture.
- A Baltimore Accessibility Consortium is both feasible and urgently needed.
Complete feasibility study findings
Our Impact
- 12 convenings hosted (8 in 2025)
- 350+ participants engaged across all events
- 295 attendees at the July Public Convening
- 89% reported their access needs were fully met
- Mailing list grew from 30 → 290+
- Paid disability consultant network established
- Museums adopted new access practices after convenings
- Disabled artists featured and compensated as leaders
What’s Next
- Developing Communities of Practice informed by the study and participatory practices, two of which are increasing Black leadership and youth and young adult voices.
- Expanding consultant leadership
- Continuing hybrid convenings
- Continue building the infrastructure of BCAA
Contact BCAA Team – baltimorecityofaccessiblearts@gmail.com
