In October 2012, MICA formally opened the renovated Graduate Studio Center along North Avenue in Baltimore. The $18 million, 120,000-square-foot project included the addition of publicly accessible galleries, Nancy (café), an auditorium, multiple classrooms and conference areas, graduate admissions offices, and studios uniquely designed for students in the MFA in Curatorial Practice, LeRoy E. Hoffberger School of Painting, Mount Royal School of Art, and MFA in Photographic and Electronic Media programs.

In addition to providing the facilities MICA needs to remain at the forefront of graduate art and design education, the building also promises to be a boon to the Station North Arts and Entertainment District. Once a challenged area of Baltimore, MICA's investment there has helped to revitalize the area and turn it into a vibrant community for both creative professionals and cultural enthusiasts.

MICA celebrated the opening of the building with a VIP reception and a leadership dinner attended by Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, United States Senator Ben Cardin, and a host of other MICA supporters.

Read more about the renovations and opening, or read more about the MICA honor bestowed upon Gov. Martin O'Malley.

Watch Gov. Martin O'Malley's keynote address from MICA's Leadership Dinner below.