BEAT: A Performing Arts Festival in Brooklyn
Amazing isn’t it? There is currently no summer (or anytime) contemporary arts festival in Brooklyn. Unlike most major cities in Europe, Brooklyn does not have a festival which reflects a large interest of its population. BAM does have the Next Wave Festival each fall, but that is more of a season of theater, and most of it coming from overseas.
We have a unique opportunity before us. Why? A large portion of the contemporary performing arts community has migrated to Brooklyn in the last decade. With rents skyrocketing in lower Manhattan, many artists have relocated to neighborhoods in Brooklyn like Williamsburg, Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Greenpoint, Bed/Stuy, Cobble Hill & Windsor Terrace. Our borough is FILLED with talent, and its time we celebrate it.
BEAT=Brooklyn Emerging Artists in Theater.
BEAT is the possibility. BEAT is the place where we can honor our own, casting the spotlight on the creative talents of our neighbors and friends. BEAT is our way onto the world’s stage. A festival in Brooklyn, FOR Brooklyn.
Brooklyn has become the center of the performing arts universe. Without question, the greatest amount of talent and creativity resides right here in our own Borough. Artists in Brooklyn are challenging the very edges of the performing arts. Why not then have a festival where we feature these artists, inviting the world into our creative space showcasing the richness, vitality and diversity of our amazing borough.
We are getting started.
We are actively seeking sponsors and donors to help us off the ground. Make no mistake about it, this festival will feature the finest performance art in Brooklyn. Our intent is to rotate approximately 8 performing artists/groups through three different venues in three different neighborhoods. We will also be having a final day of performance, Sunday August 19th, with free admission in one of Brooklyn’s many beautiful parks.
This is our plan. Will you join us? We need help. From donors to volunteers, from scouts to individuals willing to donate gifts in kind such as web design, or simply a tweet on our behalf. It all goes toward 1 ultimate goal:
The finest performing arts festival in the world, located here in Brooklyn.
Thank you!
Stephen Shelley
Want to meet us? Want to get involved in BEAT? We’re having our 2nd org meeting this Saturday, join us! Climb aboard our Meetup group (below) and we’ll see you then!