This week, the Brooklyn Arts Council announced that it has awarded $1,657,000 in grant funding to 280 Brooklyn-based artists and cultural organizations.
The hundreds of funding recipients announced by BAC were selected through the local arts organization's four respective grant programs: The 2023 Community Arts Grants program, the Creative Equations Fund, the Brooklyn Empower Fund and the SU-CASA Creative Aging program.
BAC's 2023 Community Arts Grants program awarded a total of $852,000 to 194 artists, the Creative Equations Fund (dedicated to arts for social justice) provided $290,000 to 29 grantees, the Brooklyn Empower Fund (a new initiative that invests in the health and well-being of artists) distributed $15,000 to 10 artists, and the SU-CASA Creative Aging program (facilitates cultural and arts opportunities for senior citizens) awarded over $500,000 to 47 artists for SU-CASA programming at 48 older adult centers throughout the Brooklyn borough.
“Brooklyn Arts Council is delighted to announce its continued support of an exceptional group of artists and organizations for the coming year. By funding Brooklyn-based artists, we not only invest in their individual talents but also in the collective creativity of our community," said Rasu Jilani, executive director of Brooklyn Arts Council.
"We are committed to seeding and nurturing artistic growth and vibrancy in Brooklyn neighborhoods, shaping a future where the arts are integral to our shared humanity. Together, we ignite meaningful conversations, drive innovation, and inspire positive change. On behalf of the entire team at BAC, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year's esteemed grantees and eagerly await the realization of their artistic vision.”
National Queer Theater, one of the announced grant recipients by BAC, said that the funding would help the Brooklyn-based theater company to continue to support LGBT communities through the performing arts amidst a crucial time.
"National Queer Theater is at an important moment in our growth as we fight back against the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ bills being passed across the country censoring our youth and art. This gift will go a long way in order for us to impact change through our productions and free education programs," said Adam Odsess-Rubin, Founding Artistic Director of National Queer Theater.
"Thinking about justice, equity and sustainability, our artists and students are leading the way to a brighter and more fabulous future for all of us."
To view the full list of grant recipients, head over to the Brooklyn Arts Council website.
