Brooklyn Museum Celebrates 200 Years with An Over 200 Local Artists Exhibition

In celebration of its 200th anniversary, the Brooklyn Museum is set to unveil a monumental exhibition, “The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition,” featuring the works of more than 200 artists from across the borough. The exhibition will run from October 4, 2024, to January 26, 2025, and will highlight the rich diversity and vibrant creativity that defines Brooklyn’s art scene.

This extensive group show, organized by a distinguished committee of artists including Jeffrey Gibson, Vik Muniz, Mickalene Thomas, and Fred Tomaselli, reflects the museum’s longstanding commitment to fostering creativity and championing artists from various backgrounds. The exhibition is particularly significant as it underscores the museum’s dedication to supporting and promoting local artists, while also celebrating the borough’s unique cultural heritage.

An Inclusive Selection Process

The selection process for the exhibition was a collaborative effort, with artists chosen through two main avenues: invitations extended by the Artist Committee and a public Open Call that attracted nearly 4,000 applications. The result is a diverse lineup of artists whose works span various mediums, including drawing, painting, collage, video, multimedia, installation, and sculpture.

“We’ve been hearing from artists for years, asking us to organize a large-scale Brooklyn artists exhibition, and we’re thrilled to finally make it happen,” said Anne Pasternak, Shelby White and Leon Levy Director of the Brooklyn Museum. “Brooklyn is home to more artists than anywhere else, and this exhibition is a testament to the incredible talent and creativity that our borough has to offer.”

A Reflection of Brooklyn’s Artistic Diversity

The exhibition presents a snapshot of Brooklyn’s creative output over the past five years, with artists exploring and challenging contemporary themes that resonate on both local and global scales. The works delve into topics such as migration, cross-cultural exchange, identity, history, memory, and the ever-evolving dynamics of collective care, healing, joy, and solidarity.

Throughout the exhibition’s run, a series of public programs will further highlight selected artists whose practices involve performance, offering visitors additional opportunities to engage with the art and the artists themselves.

“The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition” not only celebrates the innovative and inventive spirit of Brooklyn’s artists but also reflects the interconnectedness of the borough’s creative community. The works on display are bound together by a mutual respect and love that transcends artistic boundaries, showcasing the deep bonds of collaboration, friendship, and family that define the borough’s artistic landscape.

Honoring the Museum’s Legacy and Future

The exhibition is part of the Brooklyn Museum’s broader bicentennial celebrations, which also include city-wide events that honor the institution’s rich history while looking ahead to its future. The museum’s Board of Trustees has played a crucial role in supporting and realizing this milestone exhibition, which stands as a tribute to the local artists who continue to shape the cultural fabric of Brooklyn.

As the Brooklyn Museum embarks on its 200th year, “The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition” serves as both a celebration of the past and a beacon for the future, offering a platform for the borough’s artists to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.