Baker Artist Portfolios

Baltimore’s newest arts and entertainment district spans most of Pennsylvania Avenue from Penn North to Upton. It’s full of history and culture, and aims to expand and uplift the community. While this area’s designation as a Black arts and entertainment district may be new, the neighborhood has had a long history as a cultural center for the city’s African American community. During the 1940s, 50s and 60s, Pennsylvania Avenue was the place to go to see the latest singers and musicians perform—most notably at the Royal Theater, which hosted entertainers like Cab Calloway, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles and James Brown. Today, the Black Arts District aims to preserve that history and revitalize the neighborhood with restaurants, galleries and theaters.