Frequently Asked Questions

What is the district’s official name?

Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District, Inc.

When was the Black Arts District Created?

The Black Arts District was designated on July 1, 2019, it was then incorporated as a nonprofit with 501c3 status on January 1, 2020.

What are the Black Arts District values?

Values

- Love for Black/African Diaspora People

- Observance of African Diaspora Histories and Culture

- Black/African-Centered

- Unity

- Creativity

- Legacy

- Empowerment

Why is it called a Black arts district?

Arts and Entertainment Districts are designed to be unique destinations that reflect the traditions and evolving culture of the community it represents. The Black Arts District is located in historic West Baltimore which has a predominantly Black population. Additionally, the Black Arts District is designed to celebrate the rich and vibrant Black Arts community in Baltimore that has greatly impacted the city’s larger arts and cultural landscape. It is also a call to action to preserve the culture and legacy of the area as we strive for a healthier and more vibrant community. It is important to note that, though the district is called a Black arts district, from a consumer standpoint, it is open to anyone interested in experiencing quality arts, culture and entertainment.

Where is the Black Arts District located?

Overall, the district covers 149 acres of historic West Baltimore covering parts of both the 7th and 11th councilmanic districts. The northernmost border is Fulton Avenue + Pennsylvania Avenue; the southernmost border is Dolphin Street + Pennsylvania Avenue; the eastern borders include Woodbrook Avenue, Druid Hill Avenue, Division Street and Etting Street; the western borders include Bruce Street, Calhoun Street, Carey Street, Fremont Avenue and Argyle Avenue. The district intersects with the Penn North, Druid Heights, Upton and Sandtown-Winchester communities. Please find a copy of the district map here or visit Arts Districts for an interactive map.

What are the benefits of the Black Arts District?

The Black Arts District offers three tax incentives:

• Property tax credits - for new construction or renovation of certain buildings that create live-workspace for artists and/or space for arts and entertainment enterprise

• Income tax subtraction - a modification for income derived from artistic work executed and sold within the districts by “qualifying residing artists”

• Admissions and Amusement tax exemption - an exemption levied by an “arts and entertainment enterprise” or “qualifying residing artist” in a district.

• For more information on tax incentives, visit Arts & Entertainment Districts

Additionally, the Black Arts District works to empower Black creatives by promoting them via our Artist Registry, and city-wide calendar (hyperlink here). We also provide micro-grants and sponsorship opportunities when available (please contact us directly for more information).  The Black Arts Districts also hires Black creatives for our events throughout the year and provides quality training and development opportunities for Black creatives.  Please visit our Resources page for additional opportunities for creatives.

What is an Arts and Entertainment District?

An Arts and Entertainment district is defined by Americans for the Arts as a “well-recognized, labeled, mixed-use area of the city in which a high concentration of arts and cultural facilities serve as the anchor attraction.” Nationally they can be found in cities and towns of all sizes – each one uniquely reflecting a local mission, history, and cultural development. Some districts succeed with thoughtful landscaping and signage, while others are involved in arts programming or event production and others work toward the renovation of existing buildings and attracting complimentary businesses. Many are found in downtown areas, but they can thrive in suburban, rural, and neighborhood locations as well. Maryland has 29 A&E districts, four of which are in Baltimore – Station North, Highlandtown, Bromo and the Black Arts District.

Is there housing available in the Black Arts District?

Please visit our Resources page for available housing opportunities. Please also speak with representatives from Druid Heights Community Development Corporation or Upton Planning Committee for additional information regarding housing. North Avenue Zero Energy Affordable Housing. Flyer

For more information contact:

Tel: 410-657-8926

Email: office@SBrothersDev.com Schreiber Bros. Development

10 E. North Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202 Baltimore, MD 21218

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Monday-Friday

Are there commercial properties available in the Black Arts District?

Yes! For creative based development please contact infor@blackartsdistrict.org to schedule a brief meeting with our team. For other commercial development opportunities contact Historic Pennsylvania Avenue Mainstreet manager, Nakeisha Turner, at nturner@pa-mainstreet.com or Druid Heights Community Development Director of Real Estate Development, Johndre Jenkins at jjennings@druidheights.com.

How do you create an Arts and Entertainment District in Maryland?

In 2001, Maryland created the Arts and Entertainment District Program to oversee the process of creating A&E districts in Maryland. Maryland counties and municipalities may apply for A&E District designation for specific areas where they want to encourage creative placemaking activity and unlock the A&E Districts program's tax-related benefits. There is a rolling application deadline that closes in April of each year. For more information visit http://MSAC.org/.

What are the anchor institutions in the Black Arts District?

Please visit our Visit page for a listing of anchor institutions.

Will the community be negatively impacted?

The Black Arts District embraces the possibilities that accompany change. We also recognize that art-centered development in Black communities has preceded the onslaught of gentrification, in recent history. In response, we ensured that the Black Arts District is supported by the community, led by community organizations and is a reflection of the current community residents.

The Black Arts District seeks to empower Black creatives and help increase Black ownership and autonomy at all levels – residential, commercial, and institutional. Hence, we do not support pushing resident out of their homes. Moreover, we are leaning on residents, stakeholders as well as our partners at local community development corporations and government agencies to assist us in creating a plan and implementing policies that prioritize community input in the community development process.