BmoreArt

“I’ve always been fueled by creativity,” she asserts. “Departing from Baltimore was essential for my creative spirit; the city simply lacked the necessary outlets at the time.” She reminisces about her early ambitions, dreaming of New York City from as young as fifth grade, determined to forge a path in the fashion industry.

Over two decades, Miller Hall made her mark in New York, collaborating with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to produce runway shows, working with IMG Fashion and New York Fashion Week, and running a boutique PR & Events agency that managed urban brands alongside actors and musical talent. In 2018, she returned to Baltimore, initially as the Senior Director of Public Affairs for Mayor Catherine Pugh—a position tailored to her unique skills. She later transitioned to the Baltimore Office of Promotions & the Arts as Chief Marketing Officer.

Now, she’s working to build the environment that didn’t exist when she was coming up in the arts, saying, “How do we retain the talent so that they don’t feel like I felt twenty-five plus years ago, having to move to New York to be seen and recognized, to have a space and to be working around a group of like-minded peers they can feed off of.” 

This idea of existing within a thriving community of creatives came up several times in our conversation. The concept that artists work best in communities or hubs, where we can spark each other’s imagination fed into a broader conversation around collaboration, partnership, and the complexity of honoring diverse voices and stakeholders within a system. Miller Hall described this as a particularly complex aspect of her work, being a conduit for external community voices and an internal advocate, balancing the needs and aligning the goals with administration.

She elaborated on the profound impact of art, clarifying that it goes beyond physical forms such as monuments in parks, paintings on walls, or stage performances. Art, she stressed, functions as a transformative tool at both systemic and personal levels.

One of her recent projects was turning a vacant lot at the corner of 20th and Charles into a pocket park, which she initiated after seeing elderly residents sitting in the lot on a concrete knee wall with no shade trying to enjoy the Artscape festival.

Plants were brought in, beautiful benches erected, and a mural painted across the street. “I told them, this is your park. They watched while it was built and one resident raised his hand to be the caretaker before it was finished, even before I could figure out how to get him paid.” Tonya shared. “It changed the hearts and minds of the neighborhood.” 

The community was wary at the beginning of the process, seeing her as an outsider and unsure of her motives, but trust grew as they understood that Tonya was there to serve the residents and to employ art as a lens to meet a valid community need. While there was a sense of satisfaction in the process of transforming a blank canvas, the real transformation was in creating an artistic and functional space where people felt inspired, seen, respected, and more deeply engaged in their community. “I wasn’t prepared for how strongly the community would embrace me and for how emotional that process was going to be. So, for me, that’s the business model: How can we see communities and really give them great impact through art.”

Our creative sector has a powerful ally in Tonya Hall. “I’m a native daughter,” she shared, “and I came home to do good work for the city. I’m using my superpowers in intentional ways.”

The following interview was edited for clarity.

I love hearing that you are leaning into your superpowers. What is your superpower? 

My superpower lies in the realm of turning ambitious, large-scale ideas into tangible realities. This ability to execute big ideas is what truly sets me apart. It’s not merely about having innovative or groundbreaking thoughts; the distinction lies in my methodical approach to bringing those ideas to fruition. This involves a combination of strategic planning, resourcefulness, and the capacity to inspire and mobilize toward a common goal. I’ve always been a dreamer and a big picture thinker—to imagine what could be beyond the current state. This visionary thinking, however, is firmly grounded in practicality. I understand the steps required to move from concept to reality, navigating complexities and obstacles with a problem-solving mindset. I am always resourceful. I’m adept at leveraging resources creatively and identifying new opportunities for support. 

What is important about understanding our superpowers as artists, and charting an individual path where we can work from that space? 

It’s hard to answer this question because artists and creatives are built differently and have different priorities. But if I am giving advice, it would be to follow through on the magic. The path from ideation to execution is rarely linear or obstacle-free. So, I would say staying resilient and flexible will allow you to stay the course when faced with challenges. This balance ensures that the vision is not lost amidst setbacks, but rather refined and strengthened.

What did it feel like to return to your native city of Baltimore after living and working in NYC for 25 years?

Returning to Baltimore after a quarter century in New York City has been an experience, characterized by a blend of nostalgia, rediscovery, and adaptation. The familiarity of the city’s streets—its distinctive neighborhoods and the warmth of its communities—struck a deep chord reminding me of my roots and the unique charm that Baltimore holds.

The city’s evolution during my absence has been quite noticeable. The next generation of creatives and cultural workers are deeply committed to the city and its prosperity.  The city has blossomed into a vibrant hub for creativity, showcasing a rich tapestry of artistic expressions that rival the dynamism I experienced in NYC. The emergence of new galleries, public art projects, and cultural festivals, alongside the revitalization of the A & E districts, underscored a palpable sense of community and innovation that was less pronounced when I was a kid. 

The most rewarding aspect of my return has been twofold: the beautiful life I am cultivating with my husband Mark and the heartwarming reception from the community. Coming back to my hometown has granted me a precious opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the essence of our community. 

Conversely, witnessing the persistent challenges that Baltimore faces, such as socio-economic disparities and urban development issues. While much progress has been made, the reminders of what still needs to be addressed to achieve equitable growth and prosperity for all Baltimoreans is key. 

You shared a vision of Baltimore in fifteen to twenty years bustling with creative hubs, with arts as an integral part of our economic engine—what pieces of that vision do you already feel when you spend time in the city?     

Baltimore’s evolving landscape already offers glimpses of a future where arts and creativity are the bedrock of its economic and social vitality. Spending time in the city, I feel the pulse of this vision coming to life through various indicators: From Station North to Highlandtown, creative hubs are flourishing, blending art, technology, and entrepreneurship.

These areas are becoming magnets for innovation, attracting a diverse community of artists, makers, and tech visionaries. The energy and collaboration in these spaces are palpable, serving as incubators for new ideas and businesses that draw from the city’s rich cultural heritage. The integration of arts and culture into urban development and planning is becoming more visible. Artistic elements in public spaces—from pocket parks to the redevelopment of the waterfront and our streetscapes—enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal and livability. This approach to placemaking not only attracts residents and visitors alike but also signals a commitment to a future where the arts are seamlessly woven into the fabric of urban life.

In your work for Baltimore city’s arts and culture sector—what professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

My focus has always been on creating meaningful change, fostering community engagement, and driving forward initiatives that enhance our city’s vibrancy and cultural richness. From spearheading innovative arts programs to facilitating spaces for creative expression, the real reward has been witnessing the positive effects these efforts have on our community.

The accolades I value most come from the artists, colleagues, and community members whose lives and work are uplifted through our shared endeavors. I am continuously inspired by the potential for transformation in our city and remain committed to leading with creativity, ambition, and a vision for what Baltimore can achieve in the realm of arts and culture.

What project is next on the horizon for you that you’re most excited about? 

The commissioning of five new Mayor’s Portraits. The last commission of a mayor’s portrait for City Hall was in 1999, featuring Martin O’Malley. Presently, the Board of Estimate room at City Hall displays a collection of twenty-six mayors’ portraits, with origins tracing back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Notably, the portraits of the last three female mayors are absent from this historical assembly. This upcoming commissioning presents a unique opportunity to blend contemporary artistry with a longstanding tradition, thereby enriching our civic heritage with a more inclusive and modern representation.

You talked about the important work of bridge building and collectivizing. What are the next important bridges we need to build as a creative community?

As we move deeper into the digital age, it’s imperative to bridge the divide between traditional arts and emerging technologies. This includes promoting digital literacy among artists, providing access to new media tools, and encouraging collaborations that explore the intersection of art and technology. By doing so, we can open new avenues for creative expression and innovation. 

Baltimore is a tapestry of diverse cultures and histories. We need to continually explore ways to connect these diverse communities through the arts, facilitating exchanges that celebrate our differences while finding common ground. 

To sustain and grow the creative ecosystem, building stronger bridges between the public and private sectors is crucial. This means advocating for policies that support the arts, securing funding and resources for creative projects, and fostering partnerships that leverage the strengths of both sectors. Public art initiatives, cultural districts, and arts-based economic development projects can all benefit from such collaboration.

Encouraging collaborations that blend music, visual arts, theater, dance, and literature—or that connect artists with scientists, urban planners, and educators—can lead to innovative projects that tackle complex issues in new ways.

Ensuring that the arts are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, abilities, or socio-economic status, is a bridge we must continually strive to build. 

Supporting the next generation of artists and cultural leaders is essential for the vitality of Baltimore’s creative community.