Robyn Murphy named permanent head of BOPA

By Megan Sayles
AFRO Staff Writer
msayles@afro.com

Following nearly eight months of acting as interim CEO for the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts (BOPA), Robyn Murphy is now the permanent head of the nonprofit organization. BOPA’s board of directors announced her appointment on July 25. 

For Murphy, who hails from Edmondson Village, gaining the permanent position has been deeply personal. 

“I am a daughter of Baltimore, a working mom and a woman of color who believes in the power of art to heal, provoke, connect and transform. I also understand the weight and rhythm of this city—its fabric, its culture, its tenacity—and I recognize that Baltimore is undergoing a renaissance. I see my role not only as a steward of BOPA’s momentum but as a builder of what’s next: a future where creativity, equity and opportunity move hand in hand.” 

Murphy came on as the interim leader of the arts group last November, succeeding former CEO Rachel Graham during a turbulent time for BOPA. The organization faced financial challenges, a split from the city of Baltimore and the exit of several board members. Since then, she’s worked to stabilize the organization and rebuild its relationship with the city. 

“ I have Mayor Scott and his administration’s full confidence and support,” said Murphy. “That means the world to me and this organization. Their confidence strengthens our ability to continue the work we’ve always done in service of artists, while also granting us the security to imagine and do more.”

The termination of BOPA’s contract led to some of Baltimore’s staple events, like Artscape, being transferred back to city control. However, BOPA continued to support the city as co-producer of the major festival. 

In June, the Baltimore City Board of Estimates approved an agreement that designates BOPA as the city’s arts agency from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The organization, which is rebranding as “Create Baltimore,” now shares office space with the new Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and Entertainment (MOACE). 

“The same spirit in which both offices came together for Artscape 2025 is the way we are approaching future endeavors,” said Murphy. “We are seeing renewed confidence in BOPA from the public and a strong desire for partnership from funders and stakeholders.” 

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott shared his approval of Murphy’s appointment in a statement on July 25. 

“Robyn is a lifelong Baltimorean, proven leader and convener who has a vision that deeply understands the creativity, energy and talent that define Baltimore,” said Scott. “Her ability to foster innovation, inspire confidence, build and maintain relationships makes her the right person to fill this important role.” 

Over the next year, Murphy said she will continue to focus on financial stability, transparency and paying close attention to artists, staff and community partners to implement their ideas. She also plans to use takeaways from the 2025 festival season to advance arts equity in Baltimore. 

“It’s a quantifiable fact that integrating the arts into civic life improves citizens’ well-being, promotes economic development and enhances beauty and safety in public spaces,” said Murphy. “BOPA will use the lessons learned from Artscape 2025 to create year-round opportunities for artists and cultural producers across all arts disciplines and neighborhoods in Baltimore.”