FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
BRIC Makes History as First Media and Arts Organization Accepted into New York City’s Prestigious Cultural Institutions Group
Landmark designation secures permanent funding and recognizes BRIC’s transformative impact on Brooklyn’s cultural landscape
The Last New CIG Added was Weeksville Heritage Center in 2019; Before That, the Museum of Jewish Heritage in 2000
The City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) Consists of Cultural Organizations Located on City-Owned Property, Which Receive Significant Capital and Operating Support From the City; In Return, These Institutions Provide Accessible, Affordable Cultural Programming for All New Yorkers
BROOKLYN, NY (Sept 30, 2025) – Today, Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Laurie Cumbo announced the historic inclusion of BRIC, Brooklyn’s leading arts and media organization, as one of five new members of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG). With this declaration, BRIC became the first media and arts organization to join the CIG in the 125-year history of this prestigious coalition.
This CIG designation recognizes BRIC’s vital contributions to the cultural life of New York City, and secures ongoing City support for BRIC’s mission: to uplift artists, amplify community stories, and expand access to media and the arts.
BRIC President Wes Jackson states:
“Joining the CIG is a historic milestone for BRIC. It recognizes us among the institutions that have shaped New York City’s cultural legacy. For Brooklyn, it means greater investment in our creative future. For the City, it brings something new—a media partner grounded in community and innovation.”
“Commissioner Laurie Cumbo has always led with courage, vision, and a deep commitment to the greater good of this city. Expanding the CIG is a bold move that reflects her belief in culture’s power to transform lives, and we are so grateful that BRIC was selected as the organization for Brooklyn.”
Established in 1869, the CIG is one of New York City’s strongest public-private partnerships, made up of museums, historical societies, performing arts centers, botanic gardens, and zoos across the five boroughs. Expansion of the group has been historically rare, making this year’s addition of five new members particularly significant.
The five new CIG members represent a range of disciplines and missions, all rooted in cultural enrichment and programming for all New Yorkers. They are: BRIC Arts Media, Bronx Children’s Museum, Louis Armstrong House Museum, Noble Maritime Collection, and Pregones/PRTT.
Now nearing its 50th anniversary, BRIC is Brooklyn’s groundbreaking arts and media institution: an art gallery, a concert stage, a media classroom, a public media producer, a civic forum, and a creative home for New York City’s diverse communities. Widely known for its summer festival, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn!, and the Emmy-award-winning BRIC TV, BRIC gives vital support to artists, media makers, students, and entrepreneurs, and ignites learning in people of all ages.
With this CIG designation, BRIC gains dedicated annual city funding for operations and programming, enhanced capacity for capital improvements and expansion, and increased opportunities for collaboration with peer institutions.
Maritza Carmona, VP of Government and External Affairs for BRIC, states:
“As someone who has dedicated her career to expanding access to the arts and advancing cultural equity, this moment is deeply meaningful. It affirms that media, arts, and community-centered storytelling are essential parts of our city’s cultural fabric.
“Becoming a CIG member not only honors BRIC’s decades-long legacy but also signals a more inclusive and forward-thinking future, where institutions that reflect and serve diverse communities are recognized as central to the cultural life of New York City. We are deeply grateful for the leadership of our Commissioner Laurie Cumbo, whose bold vision and commitment made this day possible. We also want to thank our partners in the City Council, Speaker Adrienne Adams, Council Member Crystal Hudson, Farah Louis, Chi Osse, Rita Joseph, and all members of the Brooklyn Delegation for championing our work.”
Today’s announcement reflects the evolving definition of cultural institutions in the 21st century and the vital role of media and arts in driving the national conversation. This historic induction also recognizes BRIC’s profound impact on Brooklyn’s cultural life, its dynamic contributions to New York City’s arts ecosystem, and its role as a national leader in media and culture.
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For More Information Contact:
Wendy Washington
Joe Wiggins
About BRIC
Founded in 1979, BRIC is a leading arts and media institution anchored in Downtown Brooklyn whose work spans media, contemporary visual and performing arts, and civic action. For more than forty years, BRIC has shaped Brooklyn’s cultural and media landscape by presenting and incubating artists, creators, students, and media makers. bricartsmedia.org