Mayor’s Office Of Arts, Culture & Entertainment March Recap

moaceMayor addresses the crowd at the opening of a key bridge exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. – Photo by James McQueen.
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The Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment (MOACE) connects artists, residents, and city agencies to support, celebrate, and grow Baltimore’s creative community. By bridging City government and the artist community, we strive to strengthen creativity in all its forms, from public art, cultural fairs, and citywide festivals to film permitting, nightlife, and operational support. Our mission is to make arts, culture and entertainment accessible to every corner of Baltimore and bring the joy of creative expression to all Baltimoreans.
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“Baltimore continues to prove that culture is infrastructure. This month reflects the power of what happens when we invest in creativity; from world-class productions choosing our city, to community traditions that bring us together, to local talent shaping stories on national and global stages. At MOACE, we are intentional about building a city where arts, culture, and entertainment are accessible, impactful, and embedded in every neighborhood because that is how we strengthen community, drive opportunity, and define Baltimore’s future. ”

– Linzy Jackson, Director

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Ngozi Olandu Young 

This month, we are shining a light on Ngozi Olandu Young, a Baltimore-born makeup artist whose talent and chance encounters have propelled her into Hollywood’s spotlight. From her early days working at Nordstrom’s makeup counter to collaborating with top filmmakers and actors, Ngozi’s journey illustrates how skill, persistence, and serendipity intersect in the creative world.

Her work on films such as Highest 2 Lowest and The Color Purple showcase her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to transform actors into fully realized characters. Ngozi’s artistry is not just about makeup, it’s about storytelling, authenticity, and enhancing the emotional depth of every performance.

From a chance meeting with a film makeup professional that led to her first major break, to joining the ranks of Emmy-nominated and NAACP Image Award-winning artists, Ngozi exemplifies how talent and opportunity can align to create extraordinary careers. This month, we celebrate her creativity, dedication, and the inspiring journey that continues to leave an indelible mark on film and television. Discover more of Ngozi’s remarkable work by clicking the button below.

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moaceOtis Rolley, president and CEO of the Baltimore Development Corporation, speaks to the audience at Center Stage. Photo by Stuart Ruston.
Lena Waithe’s Trinity: On Display at Baltimore Center Stage

This month, we’re highlighting Trinity, a play written and produced by Lena Waithe (known for Master of None and The Chi) and directed by Stevie Walker-Webb. The production debuted at Baltimore Center Stage, running from February 12 through March 15.

While major productions often center New York or Los Angeles, this run in Baltimore is a reminder that strong, original work is happening elsewhere. Baltimore Center Stage continues to create space for artists to experiment and share new stories without the pressure of larger commercial markets.

In Trinity, the city feels present—not just as a setting, but as part of the experience. It reflects how places like Baltimore can bring artists and audiences into closer, more direct conversation.

Our office participated in a fireside chat about the production, where our Deputy Director, Bria Sterling-Wilson, joined attendees in a thoughtful discussion on the work and its impact. It was a meaningful opportunity to engage with the ideas behind the play and consider what’s next for Baltimore Center Stage and the artists involved.


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St. Patricks Day Parade

The Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment proudly celebrated Baltimore’s 64th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade alongside the Saint Patricks Day Parade Committee, bringing the city together for a lively day of culture, tradition, and community spirit. The parade featured marching bands, Irish dancers, and local community groups, filling Charles Street and the Inner Harbor with energy, pride, and celebration of Irish heritage. Residents, families, and visitors gathered to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, creating a memorable experience rooted in tradition and togetherness. We thank everyone who came out to support and celebrate this cherished Baltimore tradition.

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moace     Mayor Brandon Scott photographed with a custom D.C. United jersey.                                                          -Photo By James McQueen
D.C. United joined us in Baltimore at M&T Bank Stadium to take on Inter Miami CF in an exciting matchup. Fans showed up and showed out, bringing incredible energy and support that made the day unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who came out to support as we head into this new era for sports in Baltimore!
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moaceBaltimore Screen Writers Competition

We’re beyond excited to officially announce the incredible panel of judges for this year’s Baltimore Screenwriters Competition!

This isn’t just a competition, it’s a space where storytelling, creativity, and bold ideas come to life. To honor that, we’ve brought together a group of truly distinguished voices in the industry. Our judges are not only accomplished professionals, but passionate advocates for storytelling. Each brings a unique perspective, years of experience, and a deep appreciation for the craft of screenwriting.

We are thrilled to welcome this year’s esteemed panel: D. Watkins, Shedon Candis, Ken Matt-Martin, Ellen Pfirrmann, Rain Pryor, Nathan Corbett, and Nina Nobel.

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We remain committed to supporting artists, creatives, and cultural organizations through funding, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships.

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