In late 2014, Brian Francoise was awarded an Open Society Institute, Baltimore Community Fellowship. He proposed a civic arts project called Sister Neighborhood Arts Project (SNAP!) in Northwood, the neighborhood where he still lives. SNAP! program goals included looking at the legacy of racial covenants in Northwood and building trust, understanding, and belonging among residents.

Through dedicated forums and workshops, SNAP! merged community history with creative expression. SNAP! assembled a growing 'seed' ensemble of Northwood residents and local artists — including university students — to co-create and guide the civic arts series and cultural work.

This collective effort culminated in Covenants: A Theatrical Collage about Northwood, a public performance and community dialogue collaging into its performance structure poetry, short plays, digital stories, and pantomime. The production brought local voices to center stage, catalyzing ongoing reflection across the community.

This digital exhibit preserves those stories alongside the creative process that brought them to life. Explore the images and program listing below to learn about this “legacy” and to experience the production that birthed SNAP!.