Baltimore’s youth development community came together in a powerful way at gather! January, an intimate convening dedicated to collaboration, advocacy, and action. Local youth development changemakers joined forces to reimagine how arts-based youth programs can strengthen our city and shape the future of Baltimore’s cultural landscape.
The gather! January 2025 event received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. All participants rated their overall experience as excellent and reported that the event successfully facilitated connections and collaboration (100%). Additionally, 86% of respondents felt the event provided valuable insights into youth development and the Youth Master Plan, while 86% also felt it was a safe and welcoming space for open dialogue.
For future events, attendees expressed interest in corporate and school-based contracts, grant funding panels, and direct networking opportunities with funders. Additional comments highlighted the value of connecting with like-minded individuals and accessing resources and insights to support their work.
Key Themes of The Gather! Event
- What types of funding or support are needed to strengthen arts-based youth development programs, and how can the plan help secure these resources?
- How can arts organizations involve youth in the creation and implementation of the Youth Master Plan, ensuring that their voices are central in shaping the future of arts and culture in Baltimore?
As we move forward, it’s clear that youth must be at the center of decision-making—not just as participants, but as leaders, advocates, and storytellers shaping Baltimore’s arts and culture.
Investing in Arts-Based Youth Development: What’s Needed?
One of the biggest challenges facing arts organizations is the lack of sustainable funding and accessible spaces for youth programs. Baltimore has no shortage of young talent, but opportunities are often limited by insufficient funding, high venue costs, and a lack of long-term investment in creative youth development.
During The gather! January discussions, leaders identified key solutions:
- More public and private funding for arts education and youth programs. Sustained multi-year grants would allow organizations to plan effectively and provide stable programming.
- Affordable and well-designed creative spaces. Many youth arts organizations are priced out of performance and rehearsal venues, limiting access for community groups. The plan should advocate for repurposing underutilized spaces into youth-friendly arts hubs.
- Philanthropic and corporate partnerships. Arts education must be seen as a pathway to future careers, encouraging businesses and funders to invest in mentorships, workforce development, and apprenticeships for young artists.
By prioritizing these needs in the Youth Master Plan, Baltimore can ensure that arts are not just an extracurricular activity but a critical component of youth development and civic engagement.
Elevating Youth Voice in the Youth Master Plan
The heart of the event was a conversation about youth leadership and how young people can actively shape the future of Baltimore’s first Youth Master Plan.
Key takeaways included:
1. Establishing Youth Arts Leadership Spaces
- Create Youth Arts Councils where young people co-design programs, advise city leaders, and advocate for resources.
- Ensure that youth have real decision-making power, not just a seat at the table.
2. Using Storytelling as a Tool for Change
- Youth should lead performances, public art projects, and digital campaigns to share their vision for Baltimore’s arts scene.
- Platforms should be created for young artists to express their experiences through music, poetry, visual arts, and film.
3. Preparing Young People for Citywide Advocacy
- Workshops on public speaking, policy engagement, and storytelling will equip young advocates with the confidence to speak out.
- Program leaders should incorporate interactive activities like:
- Discussing how arts have impacted their lives.
- Creating speeches, poems, or artwork that reflect their vision for Baltimore’s creative future.
- Engaging in mock policy discussions to practice presenting ideas to community leaders.
- Mentorship opportunities should connect youth with experienced advocates who can guide them through civic engagement.
By integrating these strategies into the Youth Master Plan, Baltimore will cultivate a new generation of artists, activists, and leaders who use their creativity to drive change.
Looking Ahead: Turning Vision Into Action
Arts organizations, city leaders, and young people must work together to secure funding, expand access, and amplify youth voices in policy decisions.
With the Youth Master Plan, we have an opportunity to redefine what arts-based youth development looks like in Baltimore. If we invest in resources, leadership, and advocacy training, we can build a thriving arts ecosystem where every young person has a platform to create, lead, and inspire.
Let’s make it happen. 🚀
How You Can Get Involved
💡 Support a youth-led arts initiative.
🎤 Invite young people to share their creative vision.
🏛️ Advocate for funding and accessible arts spaces.
