Awards show celebrates 36 local artists across six creative disciplines
Maryland Public Television (MPT) will present the 2021 Baker Artist Awards on MPT-HD at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 15. The annual awards program profiles outstanding regional artists representing six disciplines: film and video, interdisciplinary, literary arts, music, performance, and visual arts. A live stream of the special will also be available at mpt.org/livestream.
Responding to the creative and financial trauma many artists face because of COVID-19, the 2021 Baker Artist Awards adapts the prize structure of previous years by distributing awards to more artists than ever before. A total of 36 individuals will receive $2,500 awards this year and will be featured during the program in profile segments capturing the essence of each artist’s creative gestalt.
“We’re committed to the artistic community, and we’re fortunate because we can change direction quickly and meet the needs of the community as they change,” said Connie Imboden, president of the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund’s board of governors. “The last year was so horrendous for the arts community, so we felt this would be a better response to help as many artists as we could.”
The broadcast will be hosted for a second consecutive year by Wendel Patrick, a 2015 Baker Artist Award winner and current host of MPT’s Artworks series. A classical, jazz, and hip-hop musician/composer and assistant professor at The Peabody Music Conservatory, Patrick brings a dynamic and contemporary flair to the annual special.
This is MPT’s 13th year producing and airing the annual awards special. The Baker Artist Portfolio website and associated awards were established by the William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund and are managed by the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance.
Encore broadcasts of the 2021 Baker Artist Awards will be offered Saturday, October 16 at 8 p.m. on MPT2 and Sunday, October 17 at 6:30 a.m. on MPT-HD. It will also be available for live and on-demand viewing online via mpt.org, bakerartist.org, and MPT’s YouTube channel and online video player.
About Maryland Public Television
Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a statewide, public-supported TV network and Public Broadcasting Service member offering entertaining, educational, and inspiring content delivered by traditional broadcasting and streaming on TVs, computers, and mobile devices. A state agency, it operates under the auspices of the Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission. MPT creates local, regional, and national content and is a frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards. MPT’s commitment to educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through instructional events and Thinkport.org. MPT’s year-round community engagement activities connect viewers with resources on a wide range of topics. For more information visit mpt.org.
