Traditional art forms thrive and persist throughout the borough of Brooklyn, born out of histories of struggle and opposition that make these artists no stranger to the tensions of the current socio-political climate. During a time when the news cycle overwhelms and inflames and it has become far too easy to focus on the negative, Brooklyn Arts Council invites you to pause and take in the traditions around us. 

TRADITION AS RESISTANCE opens a window to diverse, traditional art forms of Brooklyn’s immigrant communities.  A concert brings to the stage musicians from Syria, working to preserve the musical traditions being destroyed in the war in Aleppo. A day of learning convenes folk artists for an open forum of reflection on today’s political issues. The rich history of Trinidadian steelpan drumming comes to life on the steps of the Brooklyn Public Library. And finally, at the peak of summer, a day-long festival in Prospect Park brings the community together to celebrate one message: that artists are strong, art is powerful, and tradition is resistance.

Brooklyn Arts Council events and programs are made possible, in part, through public funds from: National Endowment for the Arts; New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature; and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the New York City Council. Major corporate support for BAC Folk Arts is provided by TD Bank.