Where Did the Money Go? Baltimore's Arts Office in the Dark
Lack of Transparency Raises Concerns
Baltimore's Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture & Entertainment (MOACE), established six months ago, has come under fire for its inability to account for its $2 million budget. City officials and stakeholders are questioning the lack of clarity surrounding its expenditures.
Key Responsibilities and Missing Records
MOACE oversees major city events like AFRAM, Artscape, and Charm City Live. However, when asked for a detailed breakdown of expenses, no one—including the city budget director, the mayor's team, and the law department—could provide one. The law department even stated that no records exist.
City Councilman Speaks Out
City Councilman Mark Conway expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that it is unacceptable for an office handling public funds to lack transparency. He believes this raises serious concerns about accountability and oversight.
Background and Previous Issues
MOACE was created after the city terminated its contract with the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) in 2024 due to financial instability and management problems. MOACE took over BOPA's events, but transparency issues have since emerged.
Expert Opinions
Luke Spreen, a public finance expert, finds it surprising that MOACE cannot provide spending details. He notes that even if the expenses are just staff salaries, a report should be available. He also highlights that Baltimore's budget office typically collects and publishes spending data, making this lack of information unusual.
Additional Challenges
The office has faced other issues as well. Shortly after its launch, Tonya Miller Hall, a senior adviser with a strong reputation in the local arts scene, resigned unexpectedly.
Mayor's Vision vs. Reality
Mayor Brandon Scott claims that MOACE is designed to support the city's cultural workforce, creative economy, nightlife, and film industry. However, without clear financial records, it is difficult to assess whether the office is meeting these goals.
Concerns About Transparency and Oversight
Conway points out that MOACE might have less transparency than BOPA, which is concerning. He also suggests that having offices report directly to the mayor can complicate oversight efforts.
