102 BROOKLYN NEWS WWW.BROOKLYN-USA.ORG the heart of the Arts For many, Brooklyn’s rise in global popularity over the decades is based in its unique cultural expression. The borough has always been an incubator for excellence in the arts, gaining its unique look from artists such as Jean- Michel Basquiat and directors such as Mel Brooks, its signature voice from comedians such as Joan Rivers and singers such as Lena Horne. Not only has Borough President Adams worked to build up Brooklyn’s strong artistic reputation, allocating close to $25 million to date in capital funding for local arts and cultural institutions, he has pursued creative ways to support the work of the borough’s artists. From the beginning of his administration, Borough President Adams has opened up Brooklyn Borough Hall to be an accessible, affordable, and innovative exhibition space. As a result, the building’s walls have shown everything from African and Asian art to local photography to an exhibit on the Magna Carta. Most notably, thousands of people from near and far came to the People’s House during the 2014-15 holiday season to see a historic display of numerous 12thand 13th-century manuscripts from St. Francis of Assisi — the first time these artifacts were shown outside of Italy in 700 years. More recently, during National Arts and Humanities Month this past October, he hosted a showcase of the works of Brooklynbred artist John Regis Tuska. In late November, he will welcome visitors to see the oil painting collection of longtime Brooklynite Anita Jack. “Brooklyn is the center of the Universe, so it is only fitting that we bring artwork from across the globe for all Brooklynites to see,” said Borough President Adams. “Brooklyn Borough Hall is a public space, and it should Borough President Adams showed off his moves at Albee Square in Downtown Brooklyn, dancing the Hustle with NYC Dance Week Founder Tasha Norman at his Brooklyn kickoff of the 10-day citywide festival. reflect the many cultures that make up our borough. Part of the cool factor behind the ‘Brooklyn brand’ comes from our affinity for other cultures and our inclusion of the groups that make up the world’s population.” Borough President Adams has also been quite active in promoting the world of the performing arts. This June, he staged a public celebration at Albee Square in Downtown Brooklyn to raise awareness for NYC Dance Week, a 10-day, five-borough celebration with local studios opening their doors to the public for free or discounted dance, fitness, and wellness classes and exhibitions. A few months later, Borough President Adams launched a partnership with the BEAT Festival to expand the reach of their experimental dance, theater, and vocal performances that are staged by local talent in cutting-edge venues across Brooklyn. The increased patronage resulting from these initiatives complements the results of Destination>Brooklyn, a successful partnership with the Brooklyn Arts Council and NYC & Company Foundation; in the last two years, $73,500 in mini-grants have been awarded to 49 local cultural organizations in more than a dozen neighborhoods across Brooklyn, which has led to the production of more than 165,000 pieces of marketing materials. Although Brooklyn remains on the avant-garde side of the arts world, Borough President Adams has recognized the many distinct obstacles to expanding and sustaining opportunity for emerging and established artists alike, including the dearth of affordable housing, the lack of affordable art and cultural space, and the need for additional funding to sustainably support arts and culture. “Too often we’ve seen artists contribute dramatically to the culture and diversity of our borough and then be forced out when the communities they have created become enticing to the rest of the world,” said Borough President Adams. “Rather than stand Photo Credit: Erica Sherman/Brooklyn BP’s Office by and watch them leave for more affordable cities, we must do all we can to keep them rooted in the borough in order to sustain the vibrant culture that has made us great.” At the launch of NYC Dance Week, Borough President Adams released a report titled “All the Right Moves: Advancing Dance and the Arts in Brooklyn,” highlighting a series of recommendations to create affordable space for artists and promote diversity in the arts; a copy of the report can be found on his website, brooklyn-usa. org. As a follow-up, he hosted his first Cultural Arts Roundtable in October, featuring experts in a broad array of arts and culture issue areas; this group will be reconvened on a semi-regular basis to help tackle the challenges facing the arts as well as to seize upon the positive opportunities they present Brooklynites. “Arts and culture are critical to our economic, educational, mental, and physical growth,” said Borough President Adams. “Engaging in the arts has documented benefits to improve heart health, mitigate stress and anxiety, as well as build young people’s self-confidence, tolerance, and economic opportunities. The arts have to be at the heart of what we do in Brooklyn, where we’re focused on nurturing the next Aaliyah and Jay-Z as well as new generations of creative Brooklynites in all walks of life.” BP Adams’ Recommendations from “All the Right Moves: Advancing Dance and the Arts in Brooklyn” • Designation of vacant or City-owned properties as affordable spaces for artists and cultural institutions • Inclusion of provisions for studio and other cultural spaces in New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) and New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) projects • Identification of non-traditional areas for studio and work spaces, including schools and libraries • Consideration of a zoning text change that would allow for additional spaces for cultural and artistic uses • Fostering of enhanced training for dance organizations to focus on anti-racism and diversity
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