Mission
GBCA creates equity and opportunity In, Through, and For arts and culture in Greater Baltimore.
Vision
Artists, and arts, cultural and humanities organizations are valued:
▪ as essential contributors to the social fabric and human spirit of Baltimore;
▪ for their contributions to equitable education, economy, and opportunity;
▪ as problem-solving partners to government and business; and
▪ for both their inherent worth and their power to create change.
Values
Equity, inclusion, access, and justice can be advanced in, and through, arts and culture.
The sector is stronger together and can take collective action.
The dignity of a broad, complex spectrum of human creative expression must be recognized and respected.
The history, evolution, resilience, and aesthetics of Baltimore provide a context for and inform the allocation of GBCA’s resources.
Scope
GBCA serves Baltimore City and the five surrounding counties: Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Baltimore County, Howard County, and Harford County.
The vision to form GBCA emerged from a series of conversations between 1998 and 2001 among cultural organizations, artists, and supporters about the need for a unified and collective voice for the sector. Incorporated in December 2001, founder Nancy Haragan acted as executive director of GBCA until December 2009. J. Buck Jabaily succeeded Nancy and served as Executive Director until December 2012, when GBCA hired Jeannie L. Howe who leads the organization today.