BALTIMORE, MD. (Friday, March 10, 2023) - The promotional film, "What is Art," produced by The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) to promote Baltimore's beloved art festival Artscape - received two gold ADDY Awards in the following categories: Best Internet Commercial and Best A/V Sales Promotion. The American Advertising Awards (ADDYs) is a celebration of the best in American advertising at every level.

"Historically, Baltimore has always been at the forefront of building an ecosystem that fosters a thriving creative culture that is second to none," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "The artists featured in the award-winning film are living proof, and my administration is beyond proud of the work that has such a prestigious win for the city."

BOPA released the 3:20-minute film at the Artscape launch announcement held at the SNF Parkway Theater in October. The short film is a cinematic love letter to Baltimore's creative community. The wildly inspiring work is the brainchild of Miller Hall, Senior Advisor of Art & Culture for the Mayor's Office who tapped director Clark Vandergrift to bring her vision to life. "I am thrilled and extremely proud to present this body of work and Baltimore's creative talent. Clark did an incredible job said Miller Hall. "We were a small team who pulled this amazing thing off in nearly three weeks."

Written and directed by Clark Vandergrift, the film was produced by Adrienne Hammel and executive produced by Tonya Miller Hall, the film features artists include renowned contemporary artist Derrick Adams, vocalist Eze Jackson, muralist Jaz Erenberg, collage artist Bria Sterling-Wilson, designer Akio Evans, choreographer Brinae Ali, and trumpeter Brandon Woody. Other notable cameos include Chyno/The Boy with the Blue Beard (aka Baltimore Foodie), visual artist Will Watson, mixologist Kim Vo, Jade and Jana McDonnell, and influencer "Bowtie Bob" Nelson.

"I knew we were going to create something special after the very first phone call. When I was presented with the idea of capturing the city's finest artists, greatest talents, and most recognizable characters in a short form film I was onboard immediately," said Writer and Director Clark Vandergrift. "To be recognized like this for our collaboration is a huge honor above and beyond the privilege it was to direct this amazing cast of Baltimore's best.

About the ADDY Awards

The American Advertising Awards is the industry's largest and most representative competition, attracting more than 35,000 entries annually at the local level, which aims to recognize and reward the creative spirit of excellence in the art of advertising.

About Artscape

Artscape is America's largest free arts festival, rocking the cultural heart of Baltimore since 1982. It was designed as an Arts Fair to market Baltimore as a cultural hub. The newly developed Meyerhoff Symphony Hall was underway, and to draw community support and stimulate economic development and investment in the area, Artscape was born

Forty years later the festival has extended its footprint far north of the Mt. Vernon section of the city. Expanding in 2017 to Charles Street near Penn Station and around the campuses of the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and the University of Baltimore, Artscape features over 140 artists and makers, live concerts on an outdoor stage, and immersive visual arts experiences.

Learn more about Artscape and watch the promotional film at artscape.org and following BOPA on social media (@promoandarts).

For any inquiries or more information please contact Barbara Hauck, Communications Manager - bhauck@promotionandarts.org; 443-263-4315.