Baltimore School for the Arts (BSA) welcomed more than 1,400 guests across four performances for its milestone 45th anniversary celebration with Expressions ‘25: A Celebration of Transformation, held March 6, 8, and 9.
As the school’s largest annual fundraiser and performance event, Expressions showcased the creativity and accomplishments of BSA students across music, theatre, dance, film, visual arts, and stage design — while raising more than $750,000, surpassing its original goal of $673,000. Funds raised help ensure high-quality arts education remains accessible to Baltimore City youth.
Set against the backdrop of growing nationwide cuts to arts programs, this year’s Expressions served as both a celebration and a call to action to protect the future of arts education in Maryland. The event brought together supporters, families, alumni, and community leaders to recognize the school’s decades-long legacy as a transformative space for young artists.
Held in BSA’s Schaefer Ballroom, Expressions ‘25 treated attendees to three unforgettable evenings of performances, food, and community celebration. Funds raised during the event directly support academic resources, masterclasses, cultural enrichment opportunities, and essential supplies such as instruments, costumes, and technology — many of which students would not otherwise be able to afford.
“Expressions ‘25 was more than a performance — it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when young people are given the tools to create and lead,” said Roz Cauthen, Executive Director of Baltimore School for the Arts. “For 45 years, BSA has been a space where talent is nurtured and potential is unlocked. At a time when arts education is increasingly under threat, this event underscored why access to the arts isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity for preparing our youth to thrive in school, in life, and in tomorrow’s workforce.”