Artscape is an annual art festival held in the Mount Royal neighborhood Baltimore, Maryland in July. Since its first annual opening in 1982, it has become the largest free arts festival in America.[1] It has boasted acts such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and Matisyahu in the past, attracting over 350,000 people[2] from the city, and surrounding areas. There are artists in a variety of visual and performing media. Events are free and open to the public.
According to Artscape 43% of the funding for 2010's event came from sponsorships and contributions, while 29% came from concession income, the remaining funds came from fundraising, and grants. The report states that about 18% of their expenses in 2010 went to administrative costs, 3% to fundraising activities, while the majority 79% went to program expenses. [3] Artscape organizers estimate that the total economic impact for the City of Baltimore in 2010 was $25.97 million. It is reported that 2009 attendees spend $9,256,046 with Artscape vendors.[4]