WHAT: Baltimore Thinkathon

WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2019

WHERE: MICA BBOX, 1601 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore

BALTIMORE — For the second year, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) will host the Baltimore Thinkathon, and event where arts and humanities are at the forefront of change.

In partnership with the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance, the event — now in its seventh year —  brings together creative thinkers, practitioners, and activists from throughout the region to network, brainstorm, and collaborate on solutions to benefit Baltimore residents. The issues addressed will be suggested by participants. The Thinkathon demonstrates the efficacy of art, culture and design to address major challenges facing the city, and harnesses the power of the aesthetic to innovate solutions.

Hosted by Dr. Sheri Parks, MICA vice president of strategic initiatives, the day will include a plenary, breakout sessions and remarks from: Carol Bebelle, co-founder and executive director of the Ashe Cultural Arts Center, Lady Brion, an artist and writer, and cultural curator with the Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, and MICA President Samuel Hoi.

"The Baltimore Thinkathon has demonstrated an ability to generate short- and long-term solutions for the city and for particular communities," Parks said. "The Baltimore Thinkathon has produced viable ideas in such subject areas as urban food quality, the role of narrative in the life of the city, the the response of the arts and culture sector to the Baltimore Uprising."

"This marks the second year that the Baltimore Thinkathon has been held at MICA. As a leading educational and cultural institution, MICA is committed to thriving with Baltimore," Parks added. "That is why it is important for us to open an inclusive space for people from a wide range of backgrounds to talk our city’s arts and culture ecosystem."

To sign up to participate in the event, visit https://www.baltimoreculture.org/programs/baltimore-think-thon#.XK4NdM9KjBK.