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Board of Directors Honorary Chairman Marty Markowitz Brooklyn Borough President Chairman Dr. Thomas F. Schutte Vice Chairmen Peter Aschkenasy Marvin Numeroff Treasurer Sylvia Lanka Barone Secretary Michael A. Armstrong Audrey Frank Anastasi George Andreozzi Carol Enseki Theodore Gunn Radiah Harper Dan Holt Arnold N. Kriss Rodney J.E. Leon Erminia Rivera Ada Rodriguez Susan Rowland Carl Self Sharon E. Simmons Donna Walker-Kuhne I. Donald Weston Antonia Yuille Williams

Image above: Calaveras are skulls made out of sugar for Mexican Days of the Dead. A calavera making workshop will be held as part of BAC Folk Arts Days of the Dead in Brooklyn project. Photo: John and Glen’s ofrenda ( detail), Kay Turner, 2005. Welcome to the first edition of BAC E-NEWS, our new monthly newsletter highlighting upcoming BAC events, activities and opportunities as well as BAC Regrant recipients’ events happening around the borough. In the October newsletter, we feature the outstanding Brooklyn-based performing artist Rita Da Silva; we announce Days of the Dead in Brooklyn public events taking place in late October and early November; BAC Folk Arts' new Folk Feet initiative, Folk Feet on Fifth; our fabulous party, Alive with Art, held to benefit the arts in Brooklyn; our upcoming professional development seminars and much, much more!

Ada Rodriguez Susan Rowland Carl Self Sharon E. Simmons Donna Walker-Kuhne I. Donald Weston Antonia Yuille Williams

Staff Ella J. Weiss President Agnes Murray Art Services Director Kathleen A. Christie Arts in Education Manager Sara DeRose Communications Director Melissa Estro Fiscal Assistant Renee Fidz Graphics/Communications Assistant Deborah Field Arts in Education Coordinator Thomas Fordham Finance Director Angela Fatou Gittens Program Coordinator Katherine P. Higgins Development Manager Nicole Macotsis Folk Arts Associate Mozhgan Motamedi Fiscal Manager Morgane Richardson Administrative/ Communications Assistant Carol Sterling Arts in Education Director Kay Turner Folk Arts Director Ethany Uttech Regrant Coordinator Courtney J. Wendroff Executive Assistant and BAC Gallery Coordinator

Image above: Detail of traditional Mexican ofrenda (offering altar) created by John and Glen in their East Village home to honor friends who have died of AIDS. Photo: Kay Turner, 2005. BAC Folk Arts' year-long initiative, Days of the Dead in Brooklyn (DODB), focuses on culturally specific arts practiced in Brooklyn, historically and currently, to address loss and bereavement. DODB, a multi-aspect field research and public presentation project resulting in a series of performances and symposia, aims to acquaint a broader public with the various traditional arts—music, dance, verbal, visual, spoken—that address the inevitable deaths of family and community members in diverse Brooklyn settings such as Mexican Sunset Park, Trinidadian and Haitian Flatbush and Italian and Greek Bay Ridge. Public programs will be held in community venues including Historic Green-Wood Cemetery, the Sunset Park branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, and Congregation Beth Elohim. We have several events coming up in late October and early November! Read more

Image above: Natalia Szostak, Place Conundrum, 2008, digital color print and silver thread, 3 3/4 x 10 1/8 inches. For DUMBO First Thursday on October 2nd (tomorrow!), BAC Gallery presents a talk with Jeanne Gerrity, the curator of the group exhibition Creative Cartographies. Influenced by the organization inherent in cartography, the twelve Brooklyn-based artists in BAC Gallery's latest exhibition, Creative Cartographies, present viewpoints both personal and political, mapping their own thoughts,

Folk Arts Director Ethany Uttech Regrant Coordinator Courtney J. Wendroff Executive Assistant and BAC Gallery Coordinator

BAC Funders Council Programs are made possible, in part, with public funds from: National Endowment for the Arts U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency New York State Department of Education New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Brooklyn Delegation of the New York State Assembly Brooklyn Delegation of the New York State Senate New York City Department of Cultural Affairs New York City Department of Youth and Community Development New York City Department for the Aging New York City Council Brooklyn Delegation of the New York City Council Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz Major corporate, foundation and in-kind support is provided by: Baisley Powell Elebash Fund

Image above: Natalia Szostak, Place Conundrum, 2008, digital color print and silver thread, 3 3/4 x 10 1/8 inches. For DUMBO First Thursday on October 2nd (tomorrow!), BAC Gallery presents a talk with Jeanne Gerrity, the curator of the group exhibition Creative Cartographies. Influenced by the organization inherent in cartography, the twelve Brooklyn-based artists in BAC Gallery's latest exhibition, Creative Cartographies, present viewpoints both personal and political, mapping their own thoughts, journeys, and observations... Read more

Image above: Fight Night performer, Ralph King Uprock Casanova, president of Dynasty Rockers, rocks a jerk, at Folk Feet’s annual BCBC showcase. Photo: Jeff Berman, 2007. Last year Folk Feet dancers knocked out audiences at DUMBO Fight Night, the DUMBO Improvement District's first annual fundraiser. Team BAC Folk Feet has been invited back for a second match; a line up of old and new school Brooklyn-based traditional dancers will perform toe- to-toe with performers presented by Galapagos Art Space. The night also features amateur boxing matches arranged by Brooklyn’s legendary Gleason’s Gym. WHEN: Thursday, October 2, 6pm at St. Ann’s Warehouse, 38 Water Street, Dumbo. For more information or to purchase tickets contact Dumbo Improvement District at www.dumbonyc.org / 718.237.9700 Read more

Major corporate, foundation and in-kind support is provided by: Baisley Powell Elebash Fund Booth Ferris Foundation Carnegie Corporation of New York Con Edison Concert Foods Courier-Life Publishing Experimental Television Center Fidelity Investments Health Plus Independence Community Foundation JPMorgan Chase Maimonides Medical Center Merrill Lynch Mertz Gilmore Foundation Milton and Sally Avery Arts Foundation National Grid New York State Tribute Foundation Robert Sterling Clark Foundation Rockefeller Brothers Fund Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation Sovereign Bank TD Charitable Foundation

Image above: Carlos “Big C” Vasquez, directs Sunset Park’s longstanding La Salsa de Hoy dance school which offers salsa classes 7 days a week. Photo: Rachel Ash, 2007 BAC Folk Arts' new initiative, Folk Feet on Fifth, is part of our longstanding Folk Feet Traditional Dance project, and it focuses on neighborhood-specific dance traditions of Brooklyn’s Sunset Park and Bay Ridge neighborhoods. On October 16th, we present Hoofin’ it in the Hood: Traditional dancing, discussion, and dishes with neighborhood dance masters, including Newyorican salsero Carlos Vasquez; Cliff Matias of Redhawk Native American Arts Council; Paul Busse, Norwegian Folkdance Society of New York and more. Read more

Brooklyn Arts Council’s Board of Directors cordially invites you to join us for our 2008 benefit, Alive with Art, on November 18, 2008 from 6:30-9:30pm. To be held at the magnificent new clubhouse at Dyker Beach Golf Course, Alive with Art will honor Audrey and Joseph Anastasi and Agnes Murray for their many years of service to Brooklyn’s cultural community. Alive With Art will be a fabulous party with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment by some of Brooklyn’s finest performers. The benefit auction will include original prints by celebrated artists Lee Bontecou and Altoon Sultan, gift certificates to Artisanal and Picholine, fine wines, new “altered book” pieces created by Brooklyn artists just for the occasion, and more. All proceeds will

The Heckscher Foundation for Children The New York Community Trust The New York Times Company Foundation Two Trees Management Co., LLC Verizon Foundation Washington Mutual Major individual supporters are: Pamela Brier and Peter Aschkenasy Sylvia Lanka and William Barone Linda and Louis Greco Marvin Numeroff Erminia and Gilbert Rivera

will honor Audrey and Joseph Anastasi and Agnes Murray for their many years of service to Brooklyn’s cultural community. Alive With Art will be a fabulous party with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment by some of Brooklyn’s finest performers. The benefit auction will include original prints by celebrated artists Lee Bontecou and Altoon Sultan, gift certificates to Artisanal and Picholine, fine wines, new “altered book” pieces created by Brooklyn artists just for the occasion, and more. All proceeds will benefit Brooklyn Arts Council’s programs and services. Contact Katy Higgins at 718-625-0080 for more information. Read more

Profit vs. Nonprofit Arts Organizations: What's Right for You? on Oct. 28 Learn about the basic differences between profit and nonprofit entities, with a focus on the requirements for organizing LLCs and for-profit corporations, such as articles of organization, publication requirements and filing fees. Read more Health Insurance for Artists Part II: Fractured Atlas on Nov. 13 Fractured Atlas offers access to quality health care plans that meet a variety of budgets and circumstances to the arts community of New York State, and provides a foundation of support through advocacy and education. Experienced staff members offer technical assistance throughout the application process and serve as a resource for the duration of coverage. Read more Websites 101: Design Your Own on Dec. 9 Learn how to make a website to publicize your artwork. Become aware of design options when hiring a contractor to create your website. This seminar provides the basics to get you started: commonly used technical terms, types of websites, image preparation and tips on website promotion. Read more

BRIC Arts/Media/Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Arts Council Community Arts Regrant Program announce their sixth year of collaboration for the Local Capacity Building (LCB) Regrant Program for Arts in Education, funded by the Arts in Education Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency (NYSCA). The LCB Initiative supports arts in education partnerships between schools and cultural organizations or individual artists that collaboratively plan, teach and implement programs that integrate the study of arts and non-arts subjects in Brooklyn schools. Projects may be developed through the initiation of teachers or other school personnel, representatives of arts/cultural organizations or individual artists in all disciplines. All applicants must attend a seminar.

agency (NYSCA). The LCB Initiative supports arts in education partnerships between schools and cultural organizations or individual artists that collaboratively plan, teach and implement programs that integrate the study of arts and non-arts subjects in Brooklyn schools. Projects may be developed through the initiation of teachers or other school personnel, representatives of arts/cultural organizations or individual artists in all disciplines. All applicants must attend a seminar. Read more

Image above: Rita Silva performs the Orixa(with accent on a) dance of Yemanja (with accent on a) at Folk Feet’s annual BCBC showcase. Photo: Jeff Berman, 2005 Life According to Rita by Angela Fatou Gittens and Nicole Macotsis Leaning over the Brooklyn Bridge Park railing above the East River, Rita Da Silva addresses the water with the word “Agô,” a sign of respect to nature’s elements. Brazilian-born and Brooklyn-based, Silva, a self-described dancer, percussionist and Filha de Xangô, dances through life with a delicate deference and respect for the world around and within her. When listening to her talk about her experience as a performer of Afro-Brazilian dance and music, one cannot help but to admire her holistic and inspiring outlook. The river waters remind us that Oxum, Orixá [pronounced o-ree-SHA] of all agua doce (sweet or fresh waters such as rivers, lakes and streams), in the Candomblê Afro-Brazilian belief system, brings sweetness to life. For Silva, this is more than just an example of her spiritual beliefs—it shapes her everyday life and informs her practice as a traditional performing artist... Read more

sweetness to life. For Silva, this is more than just an example of her spiritual beliefs—it shapes her everyday life and informs her practice as a traditional performing artist... Read more

Events and activities presented by BAC Regrant recipients. BAC’s Community Arts Regrant Program is supported by the New York State Council on the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and JPMorgan Chase.

DOMINIC MILLER PRESENTS CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC TURBINE SONGS Read more CAVE PRESENTS NOGUCHI GYMANASTICS WORKSHOPS Read more A.G.A.S.T. BROOKLYN PRESENTS THE 2008 ANNUAL GOWANUS ARTISTS STUDIO TOUR Read more REGINA OPERA PRESENTS INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL Read more CIRCUIT PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS WORLD BEAT Read more

THE BUSHWICK STARR PRESENTS CONNI'S AVANT GARDE RESTAURANT Read more LINDSAY BLATT PRESENTS REPAIR & SHINE Read more CORIOLIS DANCE INC. PRESENTS RIBS Read more TRANSIT PRESENTS TRANSIT DOUBLE BILL: BROOKLYN VS. PARIS Read more NARROWS COMMUNITY THEATRE, INC. PRESENTS JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT Read more

BROOKLYN FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL PRESENTS ‘UP ON THE ROOF’ – A DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT BROOKLYN’S PIGEON CULTURE Read more

BROOKLYN FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL PRESENTS ‘UP ON THE ROOF’ – A DOCUMENTARY FILM ABOUT BROOKLYN’S PIGEON CULTURE Read more THE BROOKLYN CONTEMPORARY CHORUS PRESENTS HANDEL’S MESSIAH Read more THE KINGSBOROUGH MUSICAL SOCIETY CHORUS PRESENTS THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY CONCERT Read more MOMENTA ART PRESENTS JENNIFER KARADY ON “SOLDIER’S STORIES FROM IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN: BRINGING HOME THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF WAR” Read more MARVIN STARKMAN PRESENTS EDDIE Read more PUPPETRY ARTS THEATRE PRESENTS IN A ROUND ABOUT WAY Read more

Days of the Dead in Brooklyn is made possible, in part, by National Endowment for the Arts. Folk Feet is made possible, in part, by Mertz Gilmore Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and The New York Community Trust. BAC Folk Arts is sponsored by Con Edison.

BAC programs are made possible, in part, by New York State Council on the Arts, the Brooklyn Delegations of the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and New York City Council and its Brooklyn Delegation.