Brooklyn’s vibrant arts scene is set to receive a major boost as the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC) announces its largest-ever funding allocation. In 2025, BAC will distribute a record-breaking $1.82 million in grants to support Brooklyn-based artists, creatives, and cultural organizations. This milestone marks the highest total awarded in the nonprofit’s 57-year history, demonstrating a significant commitment to the borough’s cultural vitality. The 2025 Creative Cohort includes 378 grant recipients, with $1.17 million awarded to 299 individual artists and organizations. An additional $653,000 is earmarked for 79 teaching artists who will lead 104 residencies in schools and older adult centers across the borough.
BAC’s dedication to supporting historically underserved communities is evident in its allocation of 49% of its total funding to neighborhoods like Brownsville, Crown Heights, East New York, and Sunset Park. This strategic investment aims to address systemic barriers and ensure equitable access to the arts.
“At BAC, we firmly believe in the vital role the arts play in shaping the social and cultural contours of our community,” said Rasu Jilani, Executive Director of the Brooklyn Arts Council. “Despite ongoing budget cuts and significant reductions in arts funding, BAC remains committed to supporting and nurturing Brooklyn’s creative ecosystem.”
Jilani highlighted BAC’s expansion since the pandemic, with increasing grant opportunities each year. “By intentionally investing in local artists and cultural institutions that elevate diverse voices, we affirm our values and deepen our commitment to the cultural vitality that defines Brooklyn,” he stated.
These grants are made possible through partnerships with the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administering $916,000 through various funding streams, benefitting 274 artists and groups. Erika Mallin, executive director of NYSCA, commended BAC for fueling creativity and innovation across New York.
Additionally, the Creative Equations Fund, backed by the Howard Gilman Foundation and the Mertz Gilmore Foundation, will distribute $250,000 to 25 grantees, emphasizing arts for social justice, equity, and sustainability. Leah Krauss, from the Mertz Gilmore Foundation, praised BAC’s values-driven structure and its support for creative risk-taking.
BAC is also heavily investing in arts education, allocating $269,000 for in-school residencies through programs like CASA, Catalyst, and Global Rhythms. The Creative Aging: SU-CASA program, funded by the New York City Council, will provide $384,000 for residencies at older adult centers, making it the largest Creative Aging program in the country. Laurie Cumbo, NYC’s Cultural Affairs Commissioner, emphasized the importance of affordable and accessible programming for residents.
For a complete list of the 2025 grant recipients, visit the Brooklyn Arts Council website.
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