University of Maryland Medical Center

We created and directed a large-scale drone show for UMMC’s 200th anniversary, delivering a city-wide spectacle that honored Baltimore and captivated Artscape audiences.

The University of Maryland Medical Center marked its 200th anniversary with a once-in-a-generation celebration in the Baltimore night sky. What Works Studio was engaged to create and coordinate a large-scale aerial drone show that debuted at Artscape 2023 and became one of the festival’s most talked-about moments.

Titled “A Love Letter to Baltimore,” the drone performance illuminated the city skyline with iconic symbols of Baltimore’s spirit and resilience. The show featured a special appearance from another one of our creations, Mr. Trash Wheel, who floated across the night sky in glowing formation.

What Works Studio conceptualized the creative vision for the display, including the theme, storyboard, messaging, and musical direction. We sourced and secured a world-class drone show partner, led all creative development, and managed the full production, from pre-visualization to launch. Our team also secured media coverage and coordinated with festival leadership to integrate the show seamlessly into Artscape’s main stage programming.

The drones lifted off on Friday, September 22, 2023, above a packed festival audience who watched the night transform into a luminous tribute to UMMC’s two centuries of service.

We are proud to have collaborated with the University of Maryland Medical Center, the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts, Profiles PR, and Open Sky Productions to bring this vision to life.

Key Outcomes

• Delivered a large-scale drone show celebrating UMMC’s 200th anniversary

• Conceptualized and directed the creative theme, storyboard, and messaging

• Featured iconic Baltimore imagery including Mr. Trash Wheel

• Coordinated production with top-tier drone show partner Open Sky Productions

• Secured placement on Artscape’s main stage for maximum visibility

• Garnered citywide media attention and public acclaim

• Successfully collaborated with UMMC, BOPA, Profiles PR, and festival leadership

• Drew a large live audience at Artscape 2023