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Maryland’s arts community lost a champion last month with the passing of Jaqueline Copeland, MSAC’s Chair. Jackie was a devoted mother, loving wife, talented curator, award-winning museum educator, guardian of African-American art, and, as the staff and councilors who worked with her knew, a steadfast advocate for the arts who confidently led MSAC’s work in the direction of equity, inclusion, and transparency. Joining the council in 2019, Jackie brought to MSAC her three decades of leadership in major visual arts institutions nationwide, including the Walters Art Museum and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, both in Baltimore City. She was elected Chair in 2021 and notably oversaw the distribution of $40 million in Arts Relief funding last year, a leadership transition, and the announcement and initial implementation of an equitable funding formula for our largest grant program, Grants for Organizations.
Jackie assumed the Chair position on the same day I was appointed MSAC’s Interim Executive Director. It was a privilege to work cIosely with a leader who cared passionately, fought fiercely, and thought strategically about how best to support all of our state’s arts communities. She pushed me to be a better leader, and I will be eternally grateful for her counsel, guidance, and mentorship.
On hearing of her passing, her MSAC family reflected on her leadership, her compassion, her ability to bring people together to work toward a common goal, the impact that her time as Chair has had on Maryland’s arts communities, and the inspiration she’s given us to continue our work ensuring access to the arts for all. We will miss her dearly.
I invite you to join us in taking a moment this month to celebrate Jackie’s life and legacy.
Steven Skerritt-Davis
Executive Director
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