The Mixing Bowl is Arts Collective’s signature series bringing Baltimore artists into conversation across generations, disciplines, and neighborhoods. While our private Mixing Bowls are intimate, invite-only meals filmed for archival and storytelling projects, the Public Edition opens the door for the wider community to experience this spirit of connection in an accessible, interactive format.
This inaugural Public Mixing Bowl will be held at the Central Branch of Enoch Pratt Free Library, a space that embodies accessibility and shared learning. Guests will be welcomed into a vibrant social environment featuring music from a local DJ, light refreshments, and opportunities to meet fellow creatives, cultural workers, and neighbors.
Two interactive stations will invite deeper engagement:
- Oral History Station – An apprentice filmmaker will record short (2–3 minute) personal stories from attendees, responding to prompts such as “Tell us about a time art made you feel connected to Baltimore” or “What’s your favorite Baltimore story?” These stories will model the central Mixing Bowl principle that everyone’s voice matters and will contribute to Arts Collective’s growing community archive.
- Everybody & Everything (EyE) Directory Activation – Guests can submit creative resources, opportunities, or spaces via iPad, to be vetted and added to Arts Collective’s EyE directory after the event. This extends the day’s conversations into tangible resource-sharing.
The event is designed for movement and mingling — attendees can visit the stations, listen to music, and meet new people at their own pace. An Arts Collective team member will act as a “community connector,” helping introduce guests who may not know anyone else in the room.
By combining storytelling, resource-building, and the informal joy of gathering, the Public Mixing Bowl creates an accessible entry point into Baltimore’s creative ecosystem. It models the value of sharing stories and resources face-to-face, and invites participants to become part of the ongoing Mixing Bowl network.