THE AFRAM FESTIVAL, A VIBRANT CELEBRATION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE AND HERITAGE, HAS BEEN A CORNERSTONE OF BALTIMORE'S CULTURAL LANDSCAPE FOR 48 YEARS. SINCE ITS INCEPTION, THE FESTIVAL HAS GROWN INTO ONE OF THE LARGEST FREE AFRICAN AMERICAN FESTIVALS ON THE EAST COAST, ATTRACTING OVER TWO-HUNDRED THOUSAND ATTENDEES EACH YEAR. AFRAM, SHORT FOR AFRICAN AMERICAN FESTIVAL, WAS FOUNDED BY NORMAN E. ROSS AND FIRST HELD IN 1976, TO HONOR AND HIGHLIGHT THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS IN ART, MUSIC AND
Artscape is more than a festival—it’s a force. A dynamic collision of art, culture, and community impact, transforming Baltimore into a living, breathing canvas of creativity. For over 40 years, Artscape has been a catalyst for artistic expression, economic impact, and cultural transformation. Now, as part of Mayor Scott’s Downtown Rise Initiative, Artscape is moving into the heart of Downtown Baltimore, reimagining how a weekend festival can fuel long-term impact through creative placemaking and sustainable community investment.