Jelani Johnson, Master Control Operator showcasing BRIC’s public network channels. Photo by Mohamed Farghaly
By Mohamed Farghaly
For over four decades, BRIC has long been an essential part of Brooklyn’s cultural
landscape, providing creative stimulation and community engagement at its center.
BRIC serves as a non-profit energetic gathering point where individuals come to
express themselves artistically, explore media concepts, or simply build connections
within their local community.
The mission of the Brooklyn art space has been the same since its founding in 1979,
and that includes helping produce contemporary visual and performing art, media
production, and civic action. Their goal has long been to have a hand in shaping
Brooklyn’s cultural and media landscape as a creative accelerator and providing
programs and initiatives for artists of all ages to participate.
“BRIC is the hub for community media in Brooklyn and a public access media center,
but we are also an arts and culture organization,” said Martiza Carmona, Director of
Government Affairs. “And I think that’s what makes us really unique. It is the
only model of its kind in New York City.”
In the 2022-23 season, BRIC made a significant impact, engaging 170,092
individuals through their diverse range of events and programs. Their reach
extended far beyond Brooklyn, reaching 44 states and 14 countries through multi-
platform initiatives. Collaborating with 44 educational institutions and
organizations, alongside 30 teaching artists, they provided educational
opportunities to 4,168 Brooklyn students and involved 539 community producers
through Brooklyn Free Speech, culminating in a win and five nominations at the NY
Emmys.
Visitors will discover an exciting environment at BRIC House, the primary venue of
this institution, featuring media centers accessible to the public, galleries dedicated
to contemporary art, TV studios equipped with state-of-the-art filming equipment,
performance areas and workspaces for artists and public media centers – making
BRIC an integral part of Brooklyn culture and society for decades.
“We have a massive production team that are trained, producers, directors,
technicians, audio engineers, in house, we have all of that talent in house,” Carmona
said. “And a lot of that talent has come up through our community media arm,
because we have trained them, they have taken our classes, they have been certified
here, and then we hire them.”
The art hub prides itself on its dedication to diversity, inclusion and equity as seen
through its efforts to foster environments which recognize, respect and celebrate all
human beings. Through partnerships with government agencies, corporate partners
and foundations, BRIC receives wide support for its programs and missions.
BRIC’s workforce initiatives aim to strengthen communities and individuals alike
through providing practical skills training in media production, digital literacy and
arts education – providing practical skills training programs designed to address
pressing social issues while aiding underserved populations.
BRIC provides an essential link between arts, media, and community development –
the arts as a source of cultural enrichment – and public dialogue to foster belonging
and connections across diverse communities in Brooklyn. Through public dialogues,
cultural exchange, artistic expression and artistic performances; BRIC continues to
enrich our cultural landscape.
The organization stands out as an institution committed to shaping Brooklyn’s
creative future creatively, serving as its premier arts, media, and education
institution, one of the only of its kind.
“As a leading arts and culture institution anchored in Brooklyn, BRIC fosters an
evolving workplace focused on the growth of our staff while developing arts, media,
and cultural programs that reflect our core values,” said Wes Jackson, President of BRIC. “We embrace curiosity and wisdom to leverage the expertise of our diverse
staff and community members and embody our commitment to the arts and
diversity.”
BRIC prides itself on its ability to quickly adapt and evolve in response to shifting
cultural, societal and demographic dynamics, including technological innovation and
demographic shifts. BRIC strives to stay at the forefront of innovation and
inclusivity initiatives to maintain relevance and impact throughout its region.
The non-profit remains dedicated to education as one of its core missions, working
closely with schools, youth organizations, and community centers across New York
City to offer arts and media instruction for children of all ages to explore their
creative side while developing essential life skills.
BRIC also hosts events and activities outside its core programming that cater to
audiences of all kinds and interests, from film screenings and panel discussions,
workshops, artist talks and more – something is always happening at BRIC that
inspires, educates and entertains.
Their most recent initiative is the ‘Aftermath’, a strategic partnership and space rental that explores the
interplay between data and art, inviting artists to delve into the aftermath of
historical events through the lens of information collected and interpreted, shedding
light on how these narratives shape our understanding of the past, present, and
future.
At BRIC, enrolled artists benefit from a range of services, from media production
training to access to state-of-the-art facilities, all provided free of charge through
their 17 million dollar annual budget. They rely upon the support of individuals,
foundations and government agencies for its operations as a nonprofit organization.
Their contributions of funds or time help deliver its vital work while expanding its
outreach.
BRIC stands out as more than just a cultural institution – it serves as an engine of
creativity, community building and social transformation. Through innovative
programs, inclusive approaches and unyielding commitment to excellence it
enriches countless individuals while adding vibrancy and vitality to Brooklyn. To
learn more about BRIC, please visit bricartsmedia.org.
“BRIC is committed to creating environments that honor, respect, and celebrate the
humanity of all people,” Jackson said. “We support our artistic and creative
communities in their efforts to affect positive social change in Brooklyn and
beyond.
BRIC President Wes Jackson emphasizes BRIC’s dedication to creativity, diversity
and social impact both locally and beyond the borders of Brooklyn.
