“The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition opened on the occasion of the Museum’s 200th anniversary. This extensive group show highlights the remarkable creativity and diversity of Brooklyn’s artistic communities. Reflecting on a rich history of fostering creativity and championing artists of all backgrounds, the Museum’s bicentennial is an opportunity to honor the borough’s artistic heritage while looking ahead to its bright and creative future. Artists were selected through a collaborative effort led by esteemed Artist Committee members Jeffrey Gibson, Vik Muniz, Mickalene Thomas, and Fred Tomaselli, all of whom are Brooklyn Museum Artist Trustees. The selection process consisted of two phases: invitations from the Artist Committee and a public Open Call that garnered nearly 4,000 applications.

Showcasing a snapshot of Brooklyn’s creative output over the past five years, the artists in this exhibition explore and challenge contemporary themes that resonate both locally and globally, such as migration, cross-cultural exchange, identity, history, and memory. The presentation also highlights collective care, healing, joy, solidarity, uncertainty, and turbulence, intertwined with material experimentation.” — Brooklyn Museum

Installation views of “The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition” at Brooklyn Museum, October 10, 2024 – January 26, 2025. Photos by Corrado Serra.

“For years artists have been asking us to organize a big Brooklyn artists exhibition, and now we’ve done it!” says Anne Pasternak, Shelby White and Leon Levy Director, Brooklyn Museum. “Brooklyn has more artists than anywhere, and we are thrilled to expand the ways we support the excellence of our incredible borough.”

The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition is organized by Jeffrey Gibson, Vik Muniz, Mickalene Thomas, and Fred Tomaselli and coordinated by Sharon Matt Atkins, Deputy Director for Art; Lauren Bierly, Senior Exhibition Project Manager; and Jennie Tang, Special Exhibition Administrator; with support from Kimberli Gant, Curator, Modern and Contemporary Art; Carmen Hermo, former Associate Curator, Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art; and Catherine Morris, Senior Curator, Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Brooklyn Museum.