About Us

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts is a nonprofit cultural organization that inspires and engages audiences and cultivates the city’s creative economy through the arts, events, and film industry.

 

 

Civic Activities

On behalf of the City of Baltimore, BOPA produces civic events like the New Year’s Eve and July 4th celebrations at the Inner Harbor, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade. Over the past 40+ years, BOPA has been called upon to orchestrate or assist with other large-scale city events, including the Star-Spangled Spectacular in 2014, NFL Kick-Off in 2013, Star-Spangled Sailabration in 2012, and the Ravens Super Bowl Victory Parades.

Events Producer

BOPA is an exceptional producer of large-scale events such as Artscape, Baltimore Book Festival, and Light City. As the manager of the Baltimore Farmers’ Market – which is the largest farmers’ market in the state – BOPA produces a monthly performance showcase at the Market called the B-Side. BOPA also hosts the annual Cloisters Holiday Tea & Bazaar as well as the Baltimore Open Studio Tour Weekend. 

Facilities

BOPA oversees some of Baltimore’s most popular historic attractions and sites, including the Top of the World Observation Level, School 33 Art Center, The Cloisters, and the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower. BOPA regularly activates these iconic spaces with exhibitions and special events.

Grant Programs

BOPA manages many of its own grant programs, in addition to acting as the fiduciary agent for arts and cultural grants allocated by the City of Baltimore. On behalf of the City, BOPA manages the Creative Baltimore Fund as well as the Artist Recovery Grant (ARG), a grant made by the City using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. BOPA’s grant programs include Free Fall Baltimore, Arts in Action Arts Education Grants, Communities Thrive Organizational Grants, and Community Arts Grants, among others. 

Prizes & Competitions

BOPA also manages and adjudicates several prizes and competitions including the Janet & Walter Sondheim Art Prize and the Municipal Art Society of Baltimore’s Artist Travel Prize. BOPA is also the regional affiliate for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition, which is the most prestigious competition program for creative teens.

The Baltimore Film Office

The Baltimore Film Office serves as the official liaison between production companies and city agencies, providing access to city services and expedited permits for the purpose of economic development. We also serve as liaison between production companies and businesses, crew and communities, and engage in educational outreach to market Baltimore as a first class location for film production

A longstanding member of the Association of Film Commissioners International, the Baltimore Film Office has over 30 years of experience working in and with the film industry.

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as the arts council, events producer and film office for the City of Baltimore. In addition to organizing and supporting free city-wide event, BOPA uplifts Baltimore’s creative community through funding and support to artists, arts programs and organizations across the City. BOPA is the primary advocate for the arts within the City of Baltimore, and BOPA’s annual economic impact for special events and festivals is $111.1 million.

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Explore available resources for artists in Baltimore City, including grants, art prizes, mural projects, and more.

Explore available resources for artists in Baltimore City, including grants, art prizes, mural projects, and more.

Artist Resources