Baltimore’s iconic public festival, Artscape, has kicked off its new chapter in downtown Baltimore, and visitors are embracing the change. With an earlier start date on Memorial Day weekend instead of sweltering July days, and a relocation from the Station North Arts District to downtown, organizers aimed to bring attention and foot traffic to the area.
The event was met with overwhelmingly positive responses, with attendees praising the new fair centers that showcase local artists’ work. The inaugural Scout Art Fair, curated by artist Derrick Adams and Baltimore Beat’s Teri Henderson, earned rave reviews from visitors and participating artists. Local artists have a platform to display, explain, and sell their work at relatively affordable prices.
The War Memorial Building on North Gay Street hosted the fair, which was attended by notable figures like Sarah Koenig of The New York Times. She praised the event as a great experience, saying it’s smart that they’re doing it downtown.
Other attendees, including Carmen Perkins from Washington, D.C., appreciated the opportunity to see local artists grow and evolve in their careers. The event also featured artisan market booths under the Jones Falls Expressway, where attendees like Monique Downs enjoyed the new murals and the crowd.
The festival’s Oasis Mural Project added vibrant color to the site of the weekly farmers market, which was moved from its usual spot due to the relocation of Artscape. Despite some criticism for not allowing the farmers market on Sunday, many attendees felt it was worth it to bring people together in a central setting.
Music was also a highlight, with performances by WombWork Productions and 803Fresh’s viral line-dancing hit “Boots on the Ground.” Little Brother and Fantasia are set to perform on Sunday night.
Source: https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/culture/arts/artscape-2025-downtown-relocation-memorial-day-weekend-WREU6YEJ55BITGZFN4Q5QT6PHA