By Gracie Brocato
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Recent changes within the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA), the resignation of eight board members, the extension of BOPA’s contract, and the appointment of Lou Joseph as the new Director of the Baltimore City Arts Council.
The Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA) is an independent nonprofit organization that serves as Baltimore City’s arts council, events center, and film office. BOPA supports these entities by funding and assisting local artists and arts organizations and producing cultural events throughout the city.
On Nov. 13, 2024, eight of the 13 board members of BOPA stepped down the week after city officials voted to terminate the quasi-governmental organization’s 22-year contract.
Joy Barnes is a local artist, arts curator, and spoken word artist living in Baltimore City. She has previous experience as a teaching assistant for Dewmore Baltimore, 2x Youth Poetry Ambassador for Baltimore City and is the Founder of the Morgan State University Poetry Club MSU Poets. With several ties and expertise in the Baltimore arts scene, she reflects on what the loss of BOPA will mean for local artists.
“The loss of BOPA would be a big loss for Baltimore City artists,” Barnes says. “Unless the city had an immediate transition plan, for plans to absorb BOPA’s programs, and to have an office directly at City Hall to run Arts and Culture programming, many artists would be in considerable trouble financially. BOPA provides funding for programs and provides local platforms (i.e. Artscape) to increase artist visibility, and to make artists more competitive with peers from other cities (D.C., Philadelphia, etc.). Luckily, BOPA’s contract has been extended for another year, and they have a new director that is an artist.”
On Dec. 5th, 2024, BOPA issued a press release announcing that it will continue to serve as Baltimore City’s Arts Council for Fiscal Year 2026. The organization also stated that Lou Joseph has been appointed as the new Director of the Baltimore City Arts Council, where he will oversee all programming for the council.
Joseph started at BOPA is 2014 and reached his 10-year milestone within the organization. He began as the Visual Arts Specialist, working his way up into his most recent role being the Arts Council’s Prizes and Competitions Manager.
“I’m excited to lead the arts council into this next chapter,” says Joseph. “And I look forward to collaborating with the city, arts organizations, and the great artists and cultural producers of Baltimore to do this essential work.” *
Board Chair and Interim CEO, Robyn Murphy is confident that Lou Joseph is the right fit for the role, given his passions and career experience.
“It just makes sense that we appoint Lou to lead the arts council — he exemplifies professionalism and a deep care for Baltimore artist community,” says Murphy. “This is his life’s work, and the citizens of Baltimore are the lucky beneficiaries.” *
Following the resignation of the interim members, Murphy states that beyond the press releases and conferences, there is no official statement about the direction of BOPA and the organization’s future moving forward.
“In this moment, and this is a very brief moment,” says Murphy. “We are still figuring things out about the direction of BOPA.”
Members of Baltimore Mayor, Brandon Scott’s administration have been engaging with BOPA’s leadership and its Board of Directors to focus on strengthening its relationship with the city and its arts scene and community.
“We are elated to continue as Baltimore City’s Arts Council Designee,” says Murphy. “BOPA has been dedicated to carrying out this work for over two decades, and with stronger collaborate moving forward, we are excited to continue working with the Mayor’s Office on a renewed arts ecosystem.” *
If you would like to get involved with BOPA’s organization and help support Baltimore creatives, there are opportunities for its volunteer programs and sponsorship packages.