Baltimore, MD — Art Account, a creative commerce agency building and advancing sustainable creative ecosystems, announces a new curatorial collaboration with Tribe Social Café, a newly opened café and third space located at 233 E. Redwood Street in downtown Baltimore, just two blocks from the Inner Harbor. Supported by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and Redwood Exchange, the collaboration launches with Heard You Say: Echoes and Exchanges of The Human Condition, its inaugural exhibition exploring communication, perception, exchange, and the relationships that shape us.

The partnership reflects Art Account’s commitment to putting theory into practice by investing time, resources, and expertise into real-world cultural infrastructure. Art Account aims to demonstrate what becomes possible when art, local business, and community are intentionally aligned, and how this alignment can generate new industries, renewed interest, and sustainable growth, particularly within redeveloping urban centers like downtown Baltimore.

Heard You Say, the first of a three-part exhibition program centered around Tribe Social’s guiding concept of “Common Culture and Dialect”, brings together local, national, and international artists, positioning Tribe Social Café as an accessible site for contemporary art and cultural dialogue. Exhibiting artist include: Julian Adon Alexander, Bre Andy, Maya Beverly, Shareon “Bhare” Blenman, Chukwuemeka Anthony Chukwu, Anna Davinagracia, Alexis Gomez, Ayana Gordon, Chris “KOLPEACE” Johnson, Xavier Laurent Leopold, Destiny Branay Lewis, Madisyn Mahogoni, Murjoni Merriweather, Maurice Scarlett III, Angelique Scott, Esteban Whiteside, and Bria Wilson-Sterling.

The collaboration also introduces In Practice A rotating initiative highlighting artists and the work they are currently making. The first featured artist is Murjoni Merriweather, a Baltimore-based artist whose work confronts and dismantles stereotypes and prejudices while uplifting the Black community through layered, powerful visual narratives. B I G B B Y 2,  a large scale ceramic bust, will anchor the exhibition. Art Account and Merriweather will partner to produce community-centered programming that engage the Tribe community members.

Extending art into everyday experience, rotating offerings will include art-based activations such as specialty food and drink features, workshops, and curated networking opportunities, reinforcing Tribe Social Café as a site of discourse and good vibes.

Art Account’s broader goal is to demonstrate the viability of art as both an economic and cultural driver. Through curatorial strategy, artist partnerships, and collaboration with local developers, investment groups, and key stakeholders, the initiative explores how art can enhance experience, expand access, and support sustainable businesses.

Kaya Gordon, Art Account’s Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Partner, brings extensive experience in branding, strategic marketing, art advocacy and community building, having served in leadership roles across Baltimore’s creative and entrepreneurial sectors. Her approach centers long-term relationships as the foundation of sustainable creative success.

“The artists involved are people we’ve admired, built a rapport with and spent time with. Relationships are the unspoken factor behind meaningful work; who you know, how you show up, and what you build together over time. I look forward to more artists, brands, patrons and spaces joining our network through this project.”

Gordon’s background as both an artist and arts administrator informs Art Account’s curatorial and strategic practice. “Heard You Say" is more than an exhibition; it is about building models that are market-aware, community-rooted, and capable of creating lasting cultural impact in Baltimore. Gordon’s hope is that it serves as a case study for what’s possible through collective effort.

The Art Account and Tribe Social Café curatorial collaboration Heard You Say: Echoes and Exchanges of The Human Condition will be open to the public for viewing during Tribe Social Café’s normal operating hours following a VIP Preview. Tribe’s grand opening is scheduled for early February 2026. Follow socials for the most up to date details (@artaccountdotnet @tribesocialcafe on instagram).