PRESS RELEASE  March 2002
111 S Calvert Street, Suite 2220
Baltimore, MD, 21202
For Immediate Release
Current through May 15, 2002

GBCA and Local Arts Publishers to Launch Arts Review Pilot

The Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance is joining with Baltimore artists and writers to produce a new local monthly arts review magazine, RADAR , slated to launch in May 2002.
The pilot publication, edited by Jack Livingston and David Crandall, will be a "proof of concept" project aimed at demonstrating to the public, media, government and other institutions the wealth of arts activities to be found at all levels across Baltimore. RADAR will feature brief reviews of current art, music, dance, and performance offerings by artists, writers, and others from the local scene.

Todd Harvey of Mission Media will design RADAR , which will be free, pocket-sized, easy to carry and consult, and economically produced for a wide distribution. Current plans call for production of three issues of the review; further production will then be evaluated. The impetus for RADAR was a GBCA initiative in response to concerns over scant local arts coverage in Baltimore's major media. Representatives of a cross-section of Baltimore arts concerns met and identified a need for an easily-produced alternative source of information for the arts-loving public.

With Mayor Martin O'Malley placing Baltimore arts squarely on the public agenda through the recent Arts and Entertainment District designations, and Baltimore's growing visibility on the national scene through the notice of the Washington Post and annual festivals such as Artscape and High Zero, the editors feel the time is right to celebrate Baltimore's galleries, theaters and music venues for the local audience.

Beyond initial seed money, production expenses will be defrayed through advertising, private contributions, and underwriting by organizations who are stakeholders in Baltimore's growing identity as an arts destination.

Mr. Livingston currently publishes PEEKreview , an online arts review (peekreview.net), while Mr. Crandall is a member of the editorial board of LINK: A Critical Journal on the Arts in Baltimore and the World. A number of PEEKreview and LINK writers are also expected to contribute content to RADAR .