Arts and Culture

Two women looking at paintings

Creativity at UMB knows no bounds. Despite not offering formal art degrees or programs, UMB buzzes with artistic undertakings that captivate and inspire.

Since its inception in 2015, the UMB Council for the Arts & Culture has been instrumental in fostering awareness of the important connection between the arts and sciences. The "Arts Council" is made up of a group of faculty, staff, students, and community members. Its mission is to promote the rich history of our institution and surrounding neighborhoods and to celebrate the creative talents of the University community. Learn more about the Council for the Arts & Culture on “The UMB Pulse” podcast.

The Arts Council helps to publicize art-related events and opportunities to the university and surrounding community, as well as partner with neighboring institutions to introduce the arts to local school children.

From beautiful galleries located in and on some of our campus buildings, inspiring art installations, and school-specific museums to the annual publication of 1807: An Art and Literary Journal, discover below and on the linked webpages how art enriches many corners of the university and ignites a passion for creativity among our faculty, students, staff, and neighbors. UMB also promotes opportunities to enjoy local art, often with reduced admission for our constituents, and participate in community art-related events, through partnerships with local groups, theaters, and museums.

At UMB, the Arts Council and UMB art enthusiasts continually look for ways to celebrate the diverse expressions of artistic talent flourishing in and around the university!

Art Exhibits and Galleries

Going to art galleries is a great experience that makes you appreciate creativity! You can see all kinds of art, from paintings to sculptures. You can also learn about different cultures and artistic styles.

Museums

Visiting museums at UMB and in the Baltimore Community offers an immersive journey. Each offers many different learning opportunities. Each museum on this list is well worth the visit!

Local Theater

Faculty, staff, and students at UMB can go see shows at nearby theaters, both local and Broadway productions.

1807: An Art and Literacy Journal

1807 aims to inspire people at UMB to share their thoughts and feelings through art and writing. The yearly journal displays the skills of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and others in the UMB community. It includes artwork like paintings, drawings, and photos, as well as sculptures and poetry.

Arts Council

The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Council for the Arts & Culture is made up of faculty, staff, students, and people from the community chosen by the UMB president. Their goal is to highlight the history of our school and neighborhoods and to show off the creative skills of the University community.

Artists' Alliance

Are you a singer? A writer? A poet? A sculptor? An artist of any stripe? Balancing creative endeavors while working full time can be a challenge. The Artists' Alliance explores ways to make time for art, fight resistance and self-doubt, hold one another accountable to our creative goals, and celebrate our artistic successes!

Ongoing Events in the Community

Highwire Improv

Highwire Improv is a nonprofit whose mission is to steward a community of artists committed to growth, collaboration, joy, and justice — in Baltimore and around the world — through improvisational theater.

Highwire produces improv shows all over the greater Baltimore area and offers classes, workshops, and free community jams for improvisers to meet and learn from one another. It also has a robust applied improv program that helps organizations develop communication, creativity, and collaboration skills.

Social Studio Art Online

To support our community against the pandemic, Social Studio’s classes have moved online while our space is closed. Let’s make art together. Sign up for an online art class today!

Take a Break with the BSO

UMB is sponsoring “Take a Break with the BSO,” a series of short recital videos on YouTube performed by Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) musicians that are designed to help reorganize you brain and rejuvenate your spirit.

Listening to these 10-minute recitals provides the perfect opportunity to grab a coffee or snack, or even just to tune in and turn off while you close your eyes and take it all in. The BSO is proud to offer these performances to the hardworking students, faculty, and staff at UMB. Watch them here.

Hippodrome Foundation News: Take a Virtual Tour

The Hippodrome Foundation recently had the opportunity to work with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, whose Seacrest Studios produced a virtual tour of the Hippodrome Theatre for children at National Children’s Hospital. We hope you enjoy!

Thank You for Your Gift to UMB

Ongoing Events in the Community