Artscape 2025 brings tech and talent downtown
Artscape has moved downtown and takes place earlier in the year than usual, over Memorial Day weekend on May 24-25. The new timing and location come with a message: The festival, produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA), isn't just about creativity. It's about innovation.
For a large part of its nearly 40-year run, Artscape has spotlighted creative collisions, putting Baltimore painters and poets alongside coders and gamers. This year's festival continues that fusion, alongside other new additions like the Scout Art Fair curated by the acclaimed Baltimore-born visual artist Derrick Adams and the Baltimore Beat's arts editor Teri Henderson.
Think augmented reality maps, immersive installations and a statue that turns into digital art when you scan it with your phone.
These aren't just gimmicks. They're signs that Baltimore's tech scene is increasingly woven into its cultural fabric.
For instance, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County is helping bring the interactive vision to life, according to organizers. Thanks to a collaboration with the local design firm Raunjiba, QR codes scattered throughout the festival footprint will unlock a 3D AR map to help attendees explore the newly reimagined layout.
And when you find the fest's statue, scan it, and watch the sculpture go 3D.
Panels that bridge the creative and the scientific
Over at Baltimore Center Stage, the 'In Conversation' series dives deeper into the art-tech crossover.
In 'Science & Dance: Orbiting the Self,' CEO Andrew Parlock of Space Phoenix moderates a discussion connecting choreography with the science of motion and identity.
Prefer fashion to footwork? 'The Science of Beauty: Styles by Science' breaks down how AI, design and smart tools are rewriting industry norms. Entrepreneur Keisha McClain leads this talk on how algorithms and innovation are fueling your next look.
Spotlight on the next generation
'In Conversation' is one of two new Artscape tracks this year, both taking place at Baltimore Center Stage. The second, 'Beyond the Reel,' focuses on cinema and features a mix of screenings and discussions. As part of it, on Sunday at Ikonic Live, middle and high school students from the region will participate in a showcase and affiliated panel curated by Wide Angle Youth Media.
Beyond that and the annual Kidscape programming track, the Baltimore Underground Science Space will showcase another bridge of science and art — that is, art made up of living organisms, like yeast.
Will you be taking in tech at this year's Artscape? If so, send us your photos at baltimore@technical.ly and you might get featured in our next Baltimore newsletter!
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