The Cool List
Baltimore is fast becoming a cultural mecca — take a look at what people around the nation are saying about Charm City.
If you’re a creative maker, you’ll find Baltimore offers you MORE than the average large urban center.
MORE COMMU
Baltimore has a neighborly feel with the sophistication of a major city. Where people know their neighbors and say hello, and invest in each other through a tight-knit arts community and numerous grassroots partnerships.
MORE
AFFORD
Baltimore has a lower cost of living than New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and even Portland. Which means more inexpensive studio spaces and houses for rent in our 244 unique neighborhoods.
MORE ARTIST SUPPORT
Many competitions with significant monetary awards are supported by local philanthropies, including the Baker Artist Awards, the Sondheim Prize, and the Rubys.
MORE COLLEGE LIFE
1 out of every 5 people in Baltimore are college students – roughly 120,000 in total. The Baltimore Collegetown network and Baltimore College Exchange Program helps them all stay connected through exclusive events and classes at 13 area universities.
MORE MUSIC & VENUES
Catch rockers Pinkshift at the Ottobar or Turnstile at Baltimore Arena; alt-pop acts Animal Collective at Ram’s Head Live or Future Islands at Merriwether Post Pavilion; or Baltimore Club artists Soohan & James Nasty at the 8x10, and more!
MORE UNIQUE CUISINE
Baltimore was named the second best city in the U.S. to eat local food by Lawnstarter. You can also explore a variety of international dishes and ingredients in Little Italy, Greektown, Koreatown, and Spanishtown.
MORE OUT
Within 20 minutes from MICA you can play, bike, camp, or relax in the green valleys and hills surrounding the city. Within 3 hours you can see wild horses on the beach of Assateague Island, hike the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park, or go water rafting in Harpers Ferry.
MORE FESTIVALS
Mark your calendars for Artscape, America’s largest free outdoor arts festival, Light City Baltimore, the first large-scale international light festival, and weekly events at Station North Arts District.
MORE TO DO IN 24 HOURS
Baltimore on a Budget
Looking for a way to explore Baltimore without breaking the bank? From some of the city’s best wings to neighborhood dive bars to historic treks that give you views of downtown or the city skyline, we’ve got you covered.
FOOD & DRINK ON A BUDGET
THINGS TO DO ON A BUDGET
Baltimore for a bit more
For a slight bump in budget, check out these Baltimore favorites. From taking in a game at Orioles Park at Camden Yards, to a trip to the zoo, to trying your hand at a Baltimore-born bowling game with a twist, to meals that show you some of Baltimore’s best cuisine and some of the city and country’s most historic marketplaces, you’re sure to find something to love about Charm City.
FOOD & DRINK FOR A BIT MORE
THINGS TO DO FOR A BIT MORE
Baltimore on a Splurge
For a night of fun, whether it be a fancy restaurant, a theater performance or a chance to root on Baltimore’s football team, we’ve compiled a list of places to check out when you’re able to spend a chunk of change.
FOOD & DRINK ON A SPLURGE
THINGS TO DO ON A SPLURGE
MICA + Baltimore
The Baltimore Advantage
John Waters once said of Baltimore, "You'll never discover a stranger city with such extreme style." Baltimore has guts. If you're an artist, designer, creative thinker, entrepreneur, social justice advocate, or all of the above, you'll find that Baltimore offers advantages not found in other large urban centers.
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Discover Masterpieces at the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Walters Art Museum or the AVAM.
(MICA alumna and faculty member Phaan Howng with her…