Our hearts have been heavy this week. Not only has Brooklyn been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery -- among so many other victims of racism and injustice -- have left an indelible mark on our city and our country.
I want to unequivocally state the following on behalf of Brooklyn Children's Museum: Black Lives Matter. This is personal. 70% of the families we serve identify as other than white. More than half of BCM's staff identifies as Black or Hispanic. We stand with and behind our visitors, employees and community, who are experiencing deep hurt and stress as more Black lives are taken senselessly.
Today, Brooklyn Children's Museum makes the following commitment to our community:
In all that we do, we will acknowledge and recognize that BCM exists in a historically Black neighborhood and that we owe a debt of gratitude to our community, mostly people of color, who have nurtured and sustained our institution for 120 years.
Understanding our role as a community anchor, BCM will work to open its doors to families as soon as it is safe. Stay tuned for more information about programming and performances on BCM's roof as soon as the PAUSE is lifted.
We will continue to create experiences that ignite curiosity, celebrate identity and cultivate joyful learning. We will do this in an explicitly anti-racist way, in partnership and solidarity with our community.
Many of you may be looking for ways to process the news of this weekend with your children. Art-making can heal, offer comfort and facilitate conversation. We invite you to visit our BCM + You digital portal for activities that celebrate Brooklyn. Consider making a Peace Box with your children to help them find comfort during moments of anxiety. Find joy in your neighborhood by creating a block collage or imagining your own Brooklyn business. Explore emotions through mask-making.
As we consider ways we can serve our families, we will be asking for your feedback. Be on the lookout for a survey soon that will help us understand how we can meet your needs during this time.
Sending love and comfort to all of you. May our grief inspire us to action this week and beyond.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s programs are made possible in part by private funding from foundations, corporations, and individuals, as well as public funds from: Department of Cultural Affairs of the City of New York, Department of Youth and Community Development of the City of New York, Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, New York City Council and its Brooklyn Delegation, New York State Assembly and its Brooklyn Delegation, New York State Senate and its Brooklyn Delegation, New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Special thanks to New York City Council Member Alicka Ampry-Samuel; New York City Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr.; New York City Council Majority Leader Laurie A. Cumbo; New York State Assembly Member Joseph R. Lentol; New York State Assembly Member Diana C. Richardson; and New York City Council Member Jumaane Williams.
Special thanks to our corporate and foundation sponsors: The Achelis & Bodman Foundation, AECOM Tishman, Aimbridge Hospitality, American Express, Beyer Blinder Belle Architects, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Chase Private Client, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Con Edison, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Duane Morris LLP, FAR Fund, Gans Studio, GKV Architects, Goldman Sachs, Google, Grand Street Settlement, Greiner-Maltz, Gunderson Dettmer, The Holborn Foundation, The Hyde and Watson Foundation, Investors Bank, Jaros, Baum & Bolles, The Keith Haring Foundation, The Laura B. Vogler Foundation, Lincoln Center Cultural Innovation Fund, Mariani Metal Fabricators USA, MetLife Foundation, Morgan Stanley, Moses L. Parshelsky Foundation, National Grid, Ncheng, Pfizer, Inc., The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation, Pinkerton Foundation, Dr. Robert C. and Tina Sohn Foundation, Robert Derector Associates, Ropes & Gray LLP, Schindler Elevator, Silverstein Properties, Inc., Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Steven Dubner Landscaping, Stop N Stor, Studio Institute, Sullivan & Cromwell, Tiger Baron Foundation, Tsao & Mckown, Turner Construction, Two Trees, UBS, and Warner Media Group.
Freestyle Fridays in ColorLab is made possible in part by the Lincoln Center Cultural Innovation Fund, which is generously supported by The Rockefeller Foundation and administered by Lincoln Center. Support for ColorLab comes from the Lincoln Center, The Rockefeller Foundation, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, NY State Council on the Arts, & the Matisse Foundation.
