Art on Purpose

A 2005-2012 non-profit organization created and led by Peter, focused on using art to bring people together around issues and ideas.

Believing art’s value lies in connecting it to social concerns, Peter established Art on Purpose with a vision of serving art and community equally. From 2005 to 2012 in the Baltimore region, the organization innovated projects involving artists and cultural institutions, neighborhood and social service groups, educators and activists, and people from all walks of life. Art was used as a catalyst to explore ideas, a vehicle of expression, a focal point for conversation, and something to celebrate in its own right.

Art on Purpose created dozens of art exhibitions and held hundreds of public events (including multi-session art workshops), ultimately serving tens of thousands of artists and individuals. The organization attracted critical acclaim with numerous feature articles and regular radio appearances. Art on Purpose was named “Best Community Arts Organization” by Baltimore Magazine in 2006 and 2010.

“Once again, Peter Bruun leads the way with his innovative thinking. Art on Purpose breaks new ground in using the creative powers of every individual to gain new insight into community as well as our own humanity.”

—Nancy Haragan, Founding Executive Director, Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance