Baltimore’s arts community received a boost this week as Create Baltimore announced the winners of two key local grant programs. The Municipal Art Society of Baltimore (MASM) Artist Travel Prize went to multidisciplinary Baltimore‑based artist Chukwudumebi “Chuks” Amadi‑Emina, while the Free Fall Baltimore program awarded $1,500 grants to 27 individual artists and seven small arts organizations for free October events.
Artist Travel Prize supports cultural research
Amadi‑Emina, a Nigerian‑American whose parents hail from the Yoruba and Igbo peoples, will receive an $8,000 grant to travel to Nigeria. The travel is intended to deepen his understanding of his parents’ histories and to inform his upcoming research‑based project, “Crossroads.” The project will trace his family lineages, visit his parents’ birthplaces, and engage with the landscapes and communities that shaped their lives.
“Through this travel research project, I will deepen my understanding of my parents’ histories and cultures by tracing their lineages, visiting their birthplaces, and engaging with the people and landscapes of my ancestors for the first time in my life,” Amadi‑Emina said. He added that the experience will strengthen his work as he prepares to begin a Master of Fine Arts in Lens‑Based Media at the Willem de Kooning Academy in the fall of 2027. Photography and text will be the primary storytelling tools for “Crossroads.”
Barbara Hauck, director of arts council programming at Create Baltimore, praised the award, noting that putting money directly in artists’ hands helps sustain Baltimore’s vibrant creative community. “It’s always a good day when we get to put money in artists’ hands,” she said. “Baltimore’s creative community deserves that support and we’re happy to deliver it through partnerships with organizations like the Municipal Art Society of Baltimore and grant programs like Free Fall Baltimore.”
Free Fall Baltimore grants expand free public programming
Free Fall Baltimore, a citywide celebration held each October in conjunction with National Arts and Humanities Month, provides $1,500 grants to individual artists and small arts organizations. The funding enables free concerts, dance and theater performances, festivals, lectures, workshops, exhibitions and other special events for the public.
The 2026 individual grant recipients include Chabria Cannaday, Maria Celleri, Kelly Jo Chartier, Lynne Streeter Childress, Andrea Conte, Amber Daniels, Tesha Davilmar, Roscoe Davis III, Akio Evans, Alana Guzman, Rae Hample, Ayana Harris, Dr. Dajaneil McCree, Albert Phillips Jr., Rhonda Robinson, Gianna Rodriguez, Kristyn Rohrer, Wayman A. Scott, Wasaba Sidibay, Shelby Switzer, Christen Taylor, Susan Tuberville, Nasia Turner, Marissa Vazhappilly, Angel Wilson and Olufunmike Woods.
The small‑arts organizations receiving grants are CityLit Project, Creative Nomads, DC Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Keur Khaleyi African Dance & Cultural Institute, Highwire Improv, Make Studio and Muse 360. These groups will use the funds to present free events that enrich the city’s cultural calendar.
Many of Baltimore’s larger cultural institutions also participate in Free Fall by offering free events, though they are not eligible for the grant portion. The program is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council, underscoring a collaborative effort between city, state and nonprofit partners to make the arts accessible to all residents.
Impact on the community
By providing both travel support for emerging artists and direct funding for free public programming, Create Baltimore aims to strengthen the city’s cultural ecosystem. The grants help artists develop new work, reach broader audiences and contribute to Baltimore’s reputation as a hub for innovative, community‑focused art.
Residents can look forward to a packed October calendar of free performances and exhibitions across neighborhoods, reinforcing the city’s commitment to cultural vitality and inclusive access to the arts.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
