MICA’s identity is deeply rooted in its community — whether local, regional, or global. This strong foundation fuels MICA’s commitment to fostering purpose, driving change, and creating meaningful impact.

Through its mission to "EMPOWER students to forge creative, purposeful lives and careers in a diverse and changing world. THRIVE with Baltimore. MAKE the world we imagine," MICA has the unique ability to inspire, challenge, and mobilize change. In essence, the MICA community has the power to transform the world, using creative expression as a powerful force for empathy, awareness, and action.

Many artists incorporate empathy through their art, encouraging viewers to participate in advocacy, donate to causes, or volunteer. Others engage directly, using diverse forms of action to raise awareness, drive change, and broaden perspectives. Whether documenting the aftermath of a natural disaster, enhancing public spaces, advocating for marginalized groups, or connecting with those often overlooked, the MICA community demonstrates the transformative power of art. By pushing creative boundaries, engaging deeply with communities, and sparking new ways of thinking, the MICA community can boldly declare, "I am MICA proud."