Baltimore, Maryland, December 16, 2025
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) showcased its vibrant arts community during its first Arts+ Extravaganza. The event featured concerts, theater productions, dance showcases, and immersive visual arts experiences, highlighting the importance of civic engagement through the arts. This initiative sets the stage for future programming aimed at enhancing local culture and fostering community connections.
UMBC’s Arts+ Extravaganza Celebrates Creativity and Community
A gathering of talent and creativity showcases the power of local arts
Baltimore, Maryland – On December 5, 2025, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) unfolded a rich tapestry of artistic expression during its first Arts+ Extravaganza. This event, designed to connect and celebrate the university’s vibrant arts community, included a myriad of activities aimed at fostering civic engagement and cultural appreciation. The university’s initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing local programming, and demonstrates how reduced bureaucracy can facilitate community-driven initiatives.
The collaborative effort behind the Arts+ initiative reflects a commitment to art as a cornerstone of civic engagement in Baltimore MD. Offering diverse artistic formats—from theater to visual arts—the event proved that when local artists, students, and faculty come together, they can create unforgettable experiences that resonate beyond the campus. Such endeavors highlight the essential role of community leadership in supporting arts programming that elevates local culture.
Concerts and Performances
The Linehan Concert Hall hosted an engaging concert featuring the UMBC Symphony Orchestra and String Chamber Orchestra, led by assistant professor Philip Mann. Concert-goers were treated to a mesmerizing performance, which included Alexander Glazunov’s Violin Concerto, performed by professor Airi Yoshioka, alongside works by professor Linda Dusman and alumnus Rich Sigwald ’03. This musical showcase reflects the level of talent and instruction found within local universities, reinforcing the benefits of investing in educational institutions that prioritize the arts.
In a captivating addition to the programming, the Black Box Theatre brought to life “Street Scenes,” a theater production directed by associate professor Eve Muson. This adaptation, inspired by Langston Hughes and set to music by Kurt Weill, attracted a full audience, further proving that thoughtful engagement with historical narratives through the arts promotes community dialogue.
Dance and Visual Arts
The Proscenium Theatre hosted a Fall Dance Showcase, displaying impressive capstone performances by senior students. The event exemplified the importance of creative presentation and provided a platform for emerging artists, signaling an encouraging trend of fostering talent within local colleges. Furthermore, the Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture unveiled “Vignettes in 3 Sessions: An Immersive Ancestral Experience,” in collaboration with renowned artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons and musician Kamaal Malak, collectively known as KaMag. Their immersive performance set the tone for explorations of cultural heritage through innovative visual experiences.
Film and Animation
Another key aspect of the Arts+ Extravaganza was the Film and Animation Showcase at the Performing Arts and Humanities Building (PAHB), featuring the creative works of 18 students and recent graduates from UMBC’s Intermedia and Digital Arts (IMDA) program. This event demonstrated the advancements in digital storytelling and animation, fostering a new generation of creative thinkers within the arts community.
Looking Ahead
The excitement generated by the Arts+ Extravaganza set the stage for more events slated for spring 2026. Noteworthy upcoming features include performances by the Baltimore Dance Project and Orange Grove Dance, as well as a faculty art exhibition, a lecture by visual artist Lynda Barry, and a much-anticipated production of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Such programming underscores the vision behind Arts+, aiming to cultivate artistic growth and engagement in Baltimore MD.
About UMBC
The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) serves as an essential educational institution within the region, renowned for its commitment to inclusive excellence across various academic disciplines. By nurturing a dynamic arts environment, UMBC strives to equip students with the tools necessary for creative success and community leadership.
Contact Information
For more information regarding the Arts+ initiative and future events, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the UMBC Arts+ website.
FAQ
What is the Arts+ initiative at UMBC?
The Arts+ initiative is a dynamic program launched in fall 2025 at UMBC, designed to celebrate and connect the university’s vibrant arts scene through interdisciplinary research and public-facing programming.
What events were featured in the Arts+ Extravaganza on December 5, 2025?
The Arts+ Extravaganza featured five concurrent events: a concert by the UMBC Symphony Orchestra and String Chamber Orchestra, a theater production of “Street Scenes,” the Fall Dance Showcase, a Film and Animation Showcase, and an immersive visual arts experience titled “Vignettes in 3 Sessions: An Immersive Ancestral Experience.”
Who are the key performers and artists involved in the Arts+ Extravaganza?
Key performers and artists included assistant professor Philip Mann, professor Airi Yoshioka, associate professor Eve Muson, 2023 MacArthur Fellow María Magdalena Campos-Pons, musician Kamaal Malak (collectively known as KaMag), and 18 students and recent graduates from UMBC’s Intermedia and Digital Arts (IMDA) program.
What is the schedule for Arts+ events in spring 2026?
Spring 2026 Arts+ events include performances by the Baltimore Dance Project and Orange Grove Dance, a faculty art exhibition, a lecture by visual artist Lynda Barry, a production of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” and more than a dozen music concerts by faculty and guest artists. A full schedule will be available in January 2026.
How can I get more information about UMBC’s Arts+ initiative?
For more information about the Arts+ initiative and upcoming events, please visit the UMBC Arts+ website.
Key Features of the Arts+ Extravaganza
| Event | Description | Location | Key Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| UMBC Symphony Orchestra and String Chamber Orchestra Concert | Performance featuring Glazunov’s Violin Concerto and works by professors Linda Dusman and Rich Sigwald ’03 | Linehan Concert Hall | Assistant Professor Philip Mann, Professor Airi Yoshioka |
| Theater Production of “Street Scenes” | Adaptation of texts by Langston Hughes and contemporaries, with music by Kurt Weill | Black Box Theatre | Associate Professor Eve Muson |
| Fall Dance Showcase | Capstone works by senior students and independent research projects | Proscenium Theatre | UMBC Department of Dance |
| Film and Animation Showcase | Works by 18 students and recent graduates from UMBC’s IMDA program | PAHB Lecture Hall | UMBC Intermedia and Digital Arts Program |
| Immersive Visual Arts Experience | “Vignettes in 3 Sessions: An Immersive Ancestral Experience” by KaMag | Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture | María Magdalena Campos-Pons, Kamaal Malak (KaMag) |
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