Art and Politics Collide at Second Annual BRIC Open Festival This Week

The second annual BRIC Open, which begins on Thursday, April 26, is a multi-disciplinary festival that brings in a wide spectrum of voices to bridge the divide between art and politics.

This year’s festival theme is “Borders,” and opens with a discussion between writer, filmmaker and activist Paola Mendoza and LGBTQ advocate, journalist and activist Darnell L. Moore, who will explore the intersection of art and protest movements. Mendoza was involved with The Women’s March, and Moore is a Black Lives Matter organizer.

Artist Erika Harrsch will present “Under the Same Sky…We Dream,” a collaborative installation with the Mexican singer Magos Herrera about the effects of migration. It will run throughout the entire festival. “Bordering the Imaginary” presents work from 19 Dominican and Haitian artists and will also be open during the entire festival.

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Each day provides a number of events. On Friday, April 27, there will be an Immigration Action Fair, with several local organizations present; a musical performance by Blitz the Ambassador, Lido Pimienta and The Chamanas; and a walking tour through Downtown Brooklyn with Kamau Ware, founder of the Black Gotham Experience. (Space is limited for the latter, and requires you to RSVP here.)

There will also be community drawing sessions, a short film series, and a dance party. UK-based artist Jess Thom will lecture on the closing night.

All events are free, but RSVPs are required and a donation is requested. Seating for events is on a first come, first served basis, and the entire festival will be located at BRIC House, located at 647 Fulton Street. For more information and a complete list of events, click here.

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