Mayor Scott says 'White-ran' arts orgs are overfunded, unveils COVID diversity grant

BALTIMORE (TND) — Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott shared his disappointment Tuesday that too much public money has gone to arts organizations that "just happen to be White-ran."

The comment came during the announcement of a $3.6 million "Diversity in Arts" grant funded by COVID-19 relief dollars. Capital grant recipients include the The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum on North Avenue and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

For too long, public dollars have simply just gone to the big names and the big players in town," Mayor Scott said. "And dare I say, I know my staff is going to hate this, the big names and big players in town that just happen to be White-ran organizations in Baltimore."

The mayor went on the thank President Biden and Maryland's congressional delegation for helping ensure the availability of federal funding to promote his efforts.

Grant funding will also be provided to a list of 24 "project" recipients, including $200,000 for Baltimore Center Stage and $100,000 for Creative Nomads, which brings "African drumming" and "mindfulness" to its partners, according to its website.

Baltimore has always been a city defined by the arts, and our art community remains a cornerstone of our city's identity, reflecting our history, diversity, and resilience,” Mayor Scott added. “Baltimore’s arts community has always been there to express what this city is about, often giving a voice to the voiceless."

However, the racially charged comments drew quick reaction from other arts organizations.

In a statement, Wally Pinkard, Chairman of the Hippodrome Foundation wrote: "I would hope the enthusiasm around this week's funding announcement, coupled with the frustration felt by arts organizations that were deliberately excluded from receiving an ARPA award, will lead to discussion of more inclusive funding of the arts in the future."

Mayor Scott is engaged in a tense Democratic primary race against former Mayor Sheila Dixon. Recent polling shows Mayor Scott holds just a three-point lead on Dixon, who has criticized Scott on a myriad of issues, including his alleged shortcomings on public safety.

A spokesperson for Mayor Scott did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The National Desk and local affiliate FOX45 News on Friday.