Leon Pinkett III on Fostering Inclusive Growth Through Arts-Driven Development in Baltimore

Leon Pinkett III, the Executive Director and CEO of the Baltimore Arts Realty Corporation (BARCO), emphasizes the transformative power of the creative economy in driving inclusive growth and community revitalization in Baltimore. BARCO, a nonprofit real estate development organization, is dedicated to creating and managing spaces for artists and makers, with notable projects including Open Works and Motor House. These initiatives exemplify BARCO's commitment to developing culturally anchored spaces that reflect and serve their communities.

Pinkett's approach to real estate and development is rooted in the belief that the creative economy is a major growth sector for Baltimore. This vision aligns with the Greater Baltimore Committee's 10-year economic opportunity plan, "All In 2035," which highlights creativity and culture as key drivers of regional vitality. BARCO's strategy is both intentional and collaborative, focusing on projects that yield social impact alongside financial returns and engaging diverse stakeholders to ensure community needs are met.

Ensuring that BARCO projects remain rooted in the communities they serve is paramount. Pinkett advocates for open communication and community engagement throughout a project's lifecycle, not just during the planning stages. This includes making spaces accessible and ensuring that staff and vendors reflect the demographics of the surrounding neighborhood. Such practices ensure that the community sees itself represented in every aspect of the project.

BARCO's successful models, like Open Works and Motor House, serve as testing grounds for arts-driven development. These projects have provided valuable lessons on launching and sustaining community-focused initiatives. Pinkett sees adaptive reuse of vacant buildings and support for a broad range of creatives, including artisans and makers, as opportunities for cities to revitalize communities through arts-driven development.

Looking ahead, Pinkett envisions BARCO leading the way in supporting artists and entrepreneurs by providing not just physical spaces but also access to equipment, information, and capital. This holistic approach aims to turn creative aspirations into viable enterprises, fostering a vibrant, inclusive creative economy in Baltimore and beyond.