Art That Belongs to Baltimore
The Nosreme Public Art Commission
At Nosreme Baltimore, we believe public art should be more than just an object in a public space. It should be a mirror, reflecting a community's history, struggles, and triumphs. It should be a bridge, connecting neighbors and generations. And it should be a megaphone, amplifying the stories that deserve to be told.
Our Community Public Art
We formalizes this belief into an annual, large-scale public art initiative. We move beyond traditional mural-making to a model of deep, authentic co-creation. We partner with neighborhood associations, local historians, and community leaders to identify the stories that matter most. Through a series of public workshops, artist-led discussions, and collaborative design sessions, residents become the curators of their own public spaces.
Inaugural Project: The Henrietta Lacks Mural
The Process
Our inaugural public art commission is a landmark mural honoring the life and legacy of Henrietta Lacks, a Baltimorean whose story changed the world. This project embodies our collaborative spirit.
From a pool of over 50 artist submissions, the final design was selected through a rigorous review process in partnership with the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group, the Henrietta Lacks House of Healing, and the Midtown East Community Association (MECA). This wasn't just about choosing a design; it was about building trust and ensuring the final artwork would be a source of pride and a catalyst for healing.
The mural, located in a prominent East Baltimore corridor, will be seen by over 1,000 people every day. It stands as a permanent tribute and a site for ongoing education, dialogue, and reflection on the critical issues of ethics, health equity, and racial justice that her story represents.
“Henrietta’s in the paint, and we’re in the brick. All of us are part of this wall..”
— Shauntee Daniels
