Amplify Action: Sustainability Through the Arts

The Central Brooklyn community’s concern with issues of sustainability is highlighted in this exhibition, which engages with themes of sustainable living, healthy consumer choices, and environmental action. Ecology, economy, equity, environmental consciousness, resource conservation and efficiency, agriculture, architecture, infrastructure, environmental health, and justice are among the subjects addressed.

“Amplify Action” artists are diverse and at varying stages in their careers; some are exciting emerging talents, while others are long-established, with work in important collections. Among those featured are several community-based artists including: Simonetta Mora, Y K Hong, Elaine Angelopolous, Antonia Perez, True, Kevin William Reed, Kioka Williams, Michael Konrad, Roberto de Jesus, Andrew Scott, Ways and Means, Vincent Romaniello and others. The art on display, ranging from painting to sculpture, found art to photography, and more, celebrates environmental activism and declares war on apathy. Engaging and adventurous, the work has made proud presenters of the participating institutions.

“We’re elated to partner with Pratt Center for Community Development and the Pratt Initiative for Arts, Community, and Social Change,” said Tracey Capers, vice president of programs and development, Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation. “Like Pratt Center and the Pratt IACSC, we support long-term sustainability that is largely dependent on the ability to engage local residents and institutions. We each view the arts as a powerful agent for that change.”

Rasu Jilani of the Pratt Center for Community Development stated: “This exhibition and public programming demonstrate that the arts are an imperative tool for engaging communities toward long-term local sustainability.”

Two free workshops at an Evening for Educators will open a dialogue on sustainable practices and provide meaningful curriculum tools on April 26th from 5-8pm. Aya Rodriguez-Izumi will do a stitching-embroidery workshop and Wolfgang Ryan hosts a sculpture with repurposed materials workshop. Those interested in attending may RSVP at the Amplify Action page at eventbrite.com. A community quilt-making workshop with artist Kioka Williams will follow in May.

The Pratt Center for Community Development works for a more just, equitable, and sustainable city for all New Yorkers by empowering communities to plan for and realize their futures. The Center was founded at the birth of the community development movement as the nation’s first university-based advocacy planning and design organization.

The Pratt Initiative for Arts, Community, and Social Change encourages and supports students, faculty, and staff to cultivate awareness, discourse, and action to use the power of the arts as a catalyst for social change.

Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, the nation’s first community development corporation, partners with residents and businesses to improve the quality of life for residents of Central Brooklyn by fostering economic self-sufficiency, enhancing family stability and growth, and promoting the arts and culture.

“Amplify Action” is a collaborative effort made possible through the generous support of The Rockefeller Foundation’s Cultural Innovation Fund.

CONTACT:

Rasu Jilani

Art, Culture, and Sustainability Project Manager

Pratt Center for Community Development

718-687-5671 or [email protected]

www.amplifyaction.org @amplifyaction