On Monday, September 15, 2014, a series of press releases announced a long awaited wave of funding specifically for the arts and education of Brooklyn.  While arts and education funding is usually channeled elsewhere, this support was championed by local leaders and advocates who firmly believe in the ability and promise of their local institutions.  All together, over $175 million will be split between local arts and cultural institutions, schools across the borough, and the largest expansion ever for afterschool programming that will be available for more than 34,000 students.  Such funding and support demonstrates a fresh commitment by locals to invest in their youth and local cultural network.

Councilmember Laurie Cumbo had the pleasure of announcing specifically that $22 million will go towards local and renowned arts institutions such as the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of Contemporary African Diaspora Arts, 651 Arts, the Mark Morris Dance Group, the Brooklyn Navy Yard, the Prospect Park Alliance, and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.  These organizations are known locally for presenting ground-breaking work and celebrating local history and education.  Citing these organizations’ ability to foster community as well as bring tourism and development to the area, officials and arts presidents cheered the much welcome support as encouragement and appreciation for local arts and culture.

In addition to the generous boost for Brooklyn arts, a significant portion of this new funding is being invested in bringing massive improvements to Brooklyn’s schools and education initiatives.  And finally, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a huge initiative to expand after-school programs for middle-school students across New York.  Heralding the success of a music video club and other community-based programs, this funding is specifically geared towards creating “enriching and engaging after-school programs” to support teenagers and provide them with high-quality dynamic learning opportunities even after the school day ends.