“I’ve been searching for community for a while and OARA filled me with support and connected me with amazing like minded artists that I really treasure ! Really appreciate this program. A true gem.”

Image of the first critique session of OARA in Spring of 2023.

First critique session of OARA

Spring, 2023

2023 Cohort

Abbie Rugg

Iris Hughey

Safiyah Cheatam

Isabelle Valcarce

Aliana Grace Bailey

Kailah Foreman

Sarah Heerey

Liz Miller

Savannah Imani Wade

Desiree Thaniel

Gabby Hemmer

Rene Fisher

OARA strengthens the ecosystem of entrepreneurial resources available to creatives in Baltimore, with an emphasis on sustainability, access, and community-rooted care.

OARA offers the following programming within the fellowship:

  • 8 artist critiques for our selected fellows

  • 8 professional development workshops

  • 2 community critiques available to all artists in the Baltimore community

  • 1 group exhibitions

  • 1 artist retreat in the Poconos

  • Ongoing resource development

As Maryland faces a $3 billion budget deficit in 2025, the urgency for artists to create self-sustaining systems becomes even more clear. OARA rises to this challenge, offering infrastructure and programming that not only supports artists—but positions them as architects of alternative economies.