Maryland Arts Institute of Racial Justice

Maryland Arts Institute for Racial Justice (MAIRJ) 2025–2026 Cohort

Six Mondays, October 20 – December 1, 2025 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Virtual/Hybrid

We know these times are heavy — for our communities, our sector, and ourselves. The Maryland Arts Institute for Racial Justice (MAIRJ) is designed to hold that reality while equipping Maryland arts leaders with the tools, imagination, and community to move from awareness into sustained action.

Co-developed by Dr. Quanice G. Floyd and Alysia Lee, this 301-level program equips participants to name, challenge, and shift systems of power in their organizations and communities.

Through six dynamic sessions, participants will:

• Deepen liberatory leadership practices rooted in community accountability.
• Explore racial justice through cultural context, imagination, and systems transformation.
• Build meaningful, cross-sector relationships to strengthen collective responsibility in the arts.
• Engage with creative, arts-based activities that connect practice with imagination.
• Access resources and interactive tools through EducateMe, our online learning platform, which supports both live and asynchronous engagement.

Participants will also join a powerful alumni network and share impact stories at the Maryland Arts Summit, June 16–17, 2026.

Dates & Time

• October 20, 27 – 5:30–7:30 PM
• November 3, 10, 17, 2025 – 5:30–7:30 PM
• December 1, 2025 – 5:30–7:30 PM

 Format

Six 2-hour virtual/hybrid sessions via EducateMe

Cost

FREE — thanks to support from Maryland Citizens for the Arts.

Who Should Apply

• Arts leaders based in Maryland with prior training in racial equity, white supremacy culture, and anti-racist practices.
• Participants who are ready to commit to all six sessions to build community and shared accountability.

Facilitators

Facilitated by nationally recognized arts equity leaders Dr. Quanice G. Floyd and Alysia Lee.

Alumni Network

Graduates join a growing alumni community dedicated to justice-centered arts leadership, with opportunities to reconnect at the Maryland Arts Summit.

Register Now 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why now?
We are living in a difficult and transformative moment. MAIRJ offers a supportive space to face these challenges together, strengthening resilience while building justice-centered leadership.

Who is eligible to participate?
The MAIRJ 2025–2026 cohort is open to arts leaders who live or work in Maryland and who have prior experience with racial equity, white supremacy culture, or anti-racist practices.

Is there a cost to participate?
No. Participation is FREE, thanks to support from Maryland Citizens for the Arts.

What are the session dates and times?
Six Mondays: October 20, 27 and November 3, 10, 17, and December 1, 2025 from 5:30–7:30 PM.

Do I need to attend all six sessions?
Yes. This is a cohort-based experience where full participation is expected to build community and accountability.

What technology do I need?
Sessions will be hosted virtually via EducateMe and Zoom. You’ll need a reliable internet connection, webcam, and microphone. EducateMe will also house resources, readings, and asynchronous activities.

This series is presented by Maryland Citizens for the Arts with support from the Maryland State Arts Council.