Founded upon the idea that a cultural institution can be the civic heart of a community, BlackRock provides arts access for all in upper Montgomery County. When the pandemic brought to light the community’s basic needs, BlackRock opened its center to provide food and other necessities, serving over 1,100 households every week and expanding into what is now a new human services hub nearby. Since reopening its in-person arts programming, a diverse schedule of free and affordable festivals, live performances, exhibitions, workshops, artist talks, and community events annually welcomes 25,000 people. Community-based theater productions, youth summer camps, and an afterschool program bring more opportunities to the public. With a special focus on curating programs for its Hispanic, Black, and LGBTQ+ populations, BlackRock is a place where the arts build real community.

Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County

Where They Operate: MD-Montgomery County

Age Groups Served: All

Population(s) Served: All

Schools They Work In: Watkins Mill Elementary School; Whetstone Elementary School ; Capt. James E. Daly Elementary School; Germantown Elementary School; Lake Seneca Elementary School; Seneca Valley High School; Richard Montgomery High School; Montgomery College

Awards & Recognition

2024: Katie Hecklinger, CEO of BlackRock Center for the Arts, 2024 Citizen of the Year Award, Mu Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

2021: Montgomery County Council presented proclamation to BlackRock Center for the Arts for their work in establishing a food assistance hub in their arts center during COVID, meeting the needs of the community. “BlackRock has stepped up to provide live-saving support to their community. The county is replicating the model at the UpCounty Consolidation of Hub in other areas. Your work will go down in history in terms of what has been done for your community and beyond.”

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for BlackRock Center for the Arts is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

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