Our Mission & Vision
Raising the Curtain on Opportunity
The Hippodrome Foundation is dedicated to introducing Maryland students and community members to the arts and the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center through its free outreach and education programs.
Our partnerships with local schools provide an invaluable link to the surrounding communities. By opening young minds to new experiences, we work to further our mission and create meaningful opportunities for thousands of students every year.
HFI has served more than 90,000 students with free programs since 2004.
A Storied Past
Two decades ago, HFI helped save a local cultural institution that many people believed would be closed forever, but the story runs much deeper.
Casting Call
We are a collection of local artists, leaders, and visionaries committed to inspiring Maryland students and communities through the performing arts.
Access to the Arts for All
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is a critical consideration for the entire team at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. HFI’s (DEI) statement, adopted by the HFI Leadership in November 2023, can be found below.
As Board Members of the Hippodrome Foundation (HFI), we promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive nonprofit institution where all employees, volunteers, partners, and program participants—whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, professional experience, economic status, or disability—are valued, respected, and heard.
HFI’s mission is to increase access to the performing arts and expose young people to the many career opportunities that exist within this industry. Since 2004, HFI has been working to build experiences and opportunities for people in our community whose access to the performing arts is, or historically has been, limited. HFI supports local teachers, principals, and school administrators—all of whom work with students who have suffered from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Free education and outreach programs build confidence and teamwork, enhance knowledge about industry careers, and provide unique behind-the-scenes opportunities for thousands of young Marylanders annually. HFI’s mission itself demonstrates this organization’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
HFI Board Members will continue to increase diversity among the HFI Board and the individuals we hire. HFI Board Members passionately work toward a more equitable future for Maryland students by “raising the curtain on opportunity” and welcoming young people into the world of performing arts.
Help Us Bring Arts Education to More Students
We rely on the generosity of our supporters to help us expand our programs and our community outreach efforts. You can make a difference in the lives of local students by donating today.
All of us at University of Maryland, Baltimore are proud of our legacy and connection with the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center and the Hippodrome Foundation. It all started more than two decades ago when UMB sold the Hippodrome Theatre building to the Maryland Stadium Authority for $1. Today, West Baltimore has an active, prestigious performing arts center complete with two venues and a non-profit committed to providing free arts programming to thousands of people year-round, and UMB is fortunate to have the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center adjacent to our campus. I congratulate the team at the Hippodrome on the center’s tremendous impact and wish the Hippodrome Foundation every future success.
Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS
President
University of Maryland, Baltimore