Empowering Baltimore Through Art and Advocacy: A Conversation with Ryan Dorsey
S6:E96

Empowering Baltimore Through Art and Advocacy: A Conversation with Ryan Dorsey

Welcome aboard 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, under the guidance of your host, Rob Lee. On today’s episode, we have Ryan Dorsey, the dedicated City Councilman representing Baltimore's 3rd District, committed to enhancing communities' accessibility, safety, and inclusivity. Since his election in 2016, Councilman Dorsey has championed transformational policies, including a groundbreaking Complete Streets ordinance, the eradication of income discrimination in city housing, and the establishment of an independent Office of the Inspector. His approach centers on dismantling structural racism and inequality, utilizing Baltimore's urban advantages for density and transit. A product of the 3rd District, Dorsey's background spans the arts, with violin studies at prestigious institutions. His advocacy for artists, transparency, and equitable housing resonates throughout his work.

In this podcast:

  • Join us in this episode as we delve into the origins and impact of Ryan Dorsey's Artist District grant program. Uncover how this innovative initiative provides direct funding to artists in his district, fostering a vibrant cultural landscape and supporting the arts community in unique ways.
  • Explore the visionary perspective of Ryan Dorsey as he discusses the critical need for the decommodification of housing and the dismantling of exclusionary zoning in Baltimore. Delve into the transformative potential of these ideas and their implications for the city's future.
  • Join us as we unravel the importance of government accountability and transparency in building a strong bond of trust with the community. In this episode, we explore Ryan Dorsey's views on fostering open communication and cultivating a transparent governance framework.
  • Dive into a thought-provoking conversation as Ryan Dorsey outlines a holistic strategy for addressing Baltimore's crime and violence issues. Discover how he underscores the significance of tackling root problems, including housing inequity and dysfunctional transportation, as pivotal steps toward building a safer and stronger city.

This is an episode you don't want to miss! Ryan discusses his background in the arts and his decision to run for office. He highlights the importance of supporting artists and the need for direct funding for the arts. Ryan also shares his initiatives to improve government accountability and transparency, including the establishment of an independent inspector general's office and improvements to ethics and financial disclosure laws. He emphasizes the need to address root problems such as housing inequity and dysfunctional transportation in order to address crime and violence in Baltimore.


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This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

About "The Truth In This Art"

"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

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Creators and Guests

Rob Lee
Host
Rob Lee
The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.
Ryan Dorsey
Guest
Ryan Dorsey
Ryan Dorsey is a City Councilman of Baltimore's 3rd District