Protecting Art Spaces: Leadership and Fundraising with Amy Cavanaugh Royce

In this episode of the Create! Podcast, host Ekaterina Popova sits down with Amy Cavanaugh Royce, the Executive Director of Maryland Art Place (MAP). Amy shares her journey from a professional touring cellist and recording artist to a leader in arts administration, providing a candid look at the resilience required to sustain a major contemporary arts hub. The conversation explores the intersection of creative empathy and executive leadership, emphasizing why protecting physical space is vital for the health of a city's creative economy. Episode Highlights The Evolution of a Practitioner: Amy explains how her background as a freelance musician allowed her to bring a unique level of empathy to her leadership role. Understanding the Process: She highlights the importance of leaders understanding what it takes for artists to get to a final product to effectively advocate for them. Protecting Creative Real Estate: A discussion on Amy's commitment to retaining MAP's 20,000-square-foot building in downtown Baltimore to ensure artists stay within the context of general commerce. Fundraising and Resilience: Amy offers insights into the different funding landscapes of DC and Baltimore, noting that persistence is key and that a "no" from a potential donor often simply means "not now". Creating Artist Opportunities: From the "Out of Order" annual auction to managing the Maryland State Arts Directory, Amy explains how MAP connects artists with collectors and public art projects. The Bromo Art Walk: Amy previews the upcoming event on May 14th, featuring a New York–Baltimore exchange curated by Jim Condren and Glenn Goldenberg. About Maryland Art Place (MAP) Maryland Art Place (MAP) inspires, supports, and encourages artistic expression through innovative programming, exhibitions, and educational opportunities while recognizing the powerful impact art can have on our community. MAP creates a dynamic environment for artists of our time to engage the public by nurturing and promoting new ideas. MAP has served as a critical resource for contemporary art in the Mid-Atlantic since 1981. Take Ac