BALTIMORE, MD —The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) announced today the launch of new strategic initiatives to accelerate innovation and strengthen Baltimore’s creative economy. The Bicentennial Opening Celebration, held on campus in the Brown Center, marked the first public event in honor of MICA’s 200 years. 

Chartered by the State of Maryland in 1826, MICA is the nation’s oldest independent, continuous degree-granting college of art and design. The bicentennial year serves as a springboard for the institution’s next phase—building on its legacy of studio-based fine arts education while advancing new pathways for creative leadership, professional practice, and community impact.

“Two hundred years ago, MICA was founded on a bold belief that creativity matters. That singular belief is what has carried MICA through generations of change,” said MICA President Cecilia M. McCormick, JD. “As I look ahead, I am proud to say that MICA is ready and moving forward with purpose. We are building a new future: for our students, for Baltimore, and for the creative economy that is shaping the future of work, community, and innovation.”

The Bicentennial Opening Celebration brought together leaders such as First Lady Dawn Moore, Maryland State Arts Council Executive Director Steve Skerritt-Davis, Notre Dame of Maryland University President Marylou Yam and other MICUA presidents, elected officials, philanthropic partners, alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community members. 

“MICA has stood as home for some of the country’s finest creators and now, this institution is charting a new path that’s reimagining how artistic expression and creativity can empower our communities and change the world,” said First Lady Dawn Moore. “Advocating for the arts community will remain one of my top priorities, and the Moore-Miller administration is committed to uplifting its future as we continue our work to leave no one behind.”

At the event, MICA President McCormick shared several key initiatives that reflect evolving workforce needs and the growing role of creativity:

• Flexible, Creative Learning at School of Creative and Professional Studies
  MICA announced the relaunch of its Master of Professional Studies (MPS), career, and continuing education programs. What was formerly known as Open Studies is now the School of Creative and Professional Studies, providing flexible, accessible, and creative learning opportunities for the community, working professionals, alumni, and organizational partners. The School offers new programs and short-form modular and master courses focused on creative leadership, technology, design, and innovation. MPS programs are now available in data analytics and visualization, business for creatives, user experience design, and product management, with core pathways in artisanal and craft production, digital product management, luxury brand management, and ethical global sourcing and sustainability. 

• Expanded Momentum with the Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship
  The Ratcliffe Center is a catalyst that builds the next generation of entrepreneurs who thrive in creative careers. Building on its long-standing commitment to creative entrepreneurship education, MICA and the Phillip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation will continue to support students through scholarships and fellowships, and now they will offer a brand-new alumni bridge program. Recent graduates who are in the midst of developing their own ventures will have the opportunity to continue their projects at MICA post-graduation. Participants will have access to studio space, mentorship, and the full support of the Ratcliffe Center. This effort to assist alumni will help their ventures move into the world with strength, strategy, and success.

• Design + Innovation Hub
  MICA also unveiled new plans for a Design + Innovation Hub—a collaborative ecosystem that links studio learning to real-world impact. The Hub is a “third space” where students, faculty, and partners from business, nonprofit, and public sectors come together to leverage MICA labs and studios to transform creative ideas into cutting-edge solutions. The Hub includes the Design + Innovation academic program, approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission; reimagined spaces that support making, prototyping, and collaboration in the Mt. Royal Station and Dolphin Design Center; biodesign and fabrication labs; the Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship; and the Center for Creative Impact, where students apply design thinking to social challenges. 

“The Design and Innovation Hub is how MICA will scale experiential learning,” explained President McCormick. “Students will have a platform to connect ideas, partners, and possibilities at scale. They will receive guidance, mentorship, and clear pathways to move from creative potential to lived purpose.”

The launch of these initiatives is supported by significant public and private investments aligned with MICA’s long-term vision:

• Nearly $2 million in project funding to support biodesign labs and facilities, including support from the Maryland Department of Commerce, to support a chair that will design and develop innovative projects for students. On top of the nearly $2 million, MICA is awaiting the presidential signature for Congressional-directed funding of $897,000 for the biodesign lab. Thank you to Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks. 

• Combined funding of $1.6 million for the Center for Creative Impact, with funding most notably going toward efforts to reimagine the Jones Falls Watershed with city partners.

• The next commitment of $4 million from Phillip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation for the Ratcliffe Center for Creative Entrepreneurship, bringing their total support to $10 million over 10 years.

• Two notable scholarship gifts totaling $8.4 million: A transformational $5 million gift from a close, long-time friend of MICA and a proud Baltimore resident, and a second gift for $3.4 million from the estate of distinguished artist and beloved alumna Betty Cooke, Class of 1946.

“As MICA marks its bicentennial, it’s important to recognize this institution’s long history of leadership in the arts and innovation in Maryland. This $897,000 direct federal investment we worked to secure for their new biodesign lab will support MICA and its students as they continue to create and innovate in the years ahead,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. 

“These investments signal a clear direction and integrated strategy for MICA’s next century. This is intentional work, grounded in our mission and values and focused on lasting impact,” said President McCormick. “In addition, the three strategic initiatives are helping to shape who we are and what we aspire to be, as we prepare students for meaningful lives and impactful careers.”

The launch of these initiatives coincides with the beginning of MICA’s yearlong bicentennial observance, which will include programs, exhibitions, and community collaborations that reflect on the college’s history while spotlighting its future.

For more information about MICA’s bicentennial and upcoming events, visit mica.edu/200.

About the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA):

Founded in 1826 and celebrating 200 years, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is an epicenter of art and design education and the nation’s oldest continuously degree-granting college of art and design. Based in Baltimore, MICA is entering its third century with renewed purpose and a deep commitment to its city and the wider world.

MICA delivers an education that combines a rigorous fine arts foundation with design, liberal arts, and real-world experience—preparing students to apply art and design to real-world challenges. Through creative entrepreneurship, professional practice, and community and business partnerships, MICA graduates build sustainable careers, launch ventures, and contribute meaningfully to the creative economy.

For more information, visit mica.edu. To learn more about MICA’s Bicentennial, visit mica.edu/200.