In the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, a revolution is brewing. It’s not loud or disruptive, but it’s changing the landscape of art and music in ways that challenge long-standing norms. Welcome to BRIC House Party, a groundbreaking series that puts DJs at the helm of their own creative universe.
When I joined BRIC in 2023, I embarked on a journey to reimagine arts and culture programming in New York City. The stark reality of the mainstream art world’s historical bias towards groups who benefit from power and privilege was impossible to ignore. I was determined to leave a legacy that directly challenged this status quo. My vision was to harness BRIC’s multifaceted resources and create an intentional space where Brooklyn’s vibrant communities could truly feel at home. This drive to foster inclusivity and representation gave birth to BRIC House Party – a bold initiative that not only showcases talent but also redefines the very essence of cultural spaces.
BRIC House Party is more than just a series of nightlife events; it’s a statement. By handing the reins to local DJs, we’re providing a canvas for them to transform our space and create one-of-a-kind experiences for their communities. These artists curate every aspect of their event, from the layout and visuals to interactive elements, creating a 360-degree immersion that bridges the gap between performer and audience.
This programming series builds on BRIC’s 45-year legacy of breaking down barriers and creating access for Brooklyn’s diverse communities in the Downtown Brooklyn area. If you are a dancer, DJ, or performing artist living in public housing in Downtown Brooklyn – or even the newer developments through lottery qualification – and can’t afford expensive clubs, not only are there virtually no clubs in a 20-block radius, but there aren’t any affordable alternatives, either.
We’ve long understood that art is not just about aesthetics; it’s about community, identity, and empowerment. BRIC House Party takes this philosophy and amplifies it, literally and figuratively.
Over the past year, we’ve welcomed artists like Quiana Parks, hellotones, D-Nice, and Cookie Kawaii to take over BRIC House. Quiana brought her nightlife series “Parks & Rec” to our cultural home and will return later this month for a Halloween-themed “Disturbia” art and sound exhibition. Earlier this year, hellotones introduced the vibrant sounds of Cumbia, reimagining the bounds of the Latin-American dance genre for both seasoned aficionados and curious newcomers. Just last month, Jersey club legend Cookie Kawaii transformed our venue into a Kawaii-themed fantasy, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. And back in May, the legendary D-Nice took over, turning our gallery space into a literal club at the after-party for our “Raised By Brooklyn” gala.
These aren’t just names on a lineup; they represent the diverse voices and visions that make Brooklyn a cultural powerhouse. By giving them control over our creative space, we’re challenging traditional power dynamics in the art world and fostering a new paradigm of artistic expression and community engagement.
As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in this audacious endeavor. Experience the energy of a DJ-led takeover at BRIC House and be part of a community that’s redefining what it means to create and experience art.
The future of international arts culture is wide open, and BRIC House Party is our bold step into that future. We’re not just changing the playlist; we’re changing the game. In doing so, we’re creating a more vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic Brooklyn for all.
Join us at BRIC House Party – where every beat drops a barrier, and every mix builds a bridge. Together, let’s dance our way to a more inclusive and representative art world.
Deron Johnston is chief programming officer of BRIC
