Innovation Salon: Ideas in Action
Join Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC) for Innovation Salon: Ideas in Action, an evening of creative presentations, thought-provoking dialogue, and celebration of our 2024 Social Innovation Fellows.
BAC's Social Innovation Fellowship is a dynamic development program for creatives and cultural entrepreneurs, rooted in the belief that Brooklyn's neighborhoods serve as incubators for distinct cultures and practices. Join us as we showcase the transformative work of these visionary artists and celebrate the culmination of this groundbreaking initiative.
Over the past five months, the fellowship—a collaboration with the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)—has supported a cohort of 11 artists and cultural entrepreneurs in exploring new models of social innovation through their artistic practices. Individuals received coaching, training, technical assistance, and additional funding while critiquing and supporting each other to build their individual and collective capacity for transformative change and abundance for themselves and the communities they serve.
The 2024 Social Innovation Fellowship cohort includes: Jeremiah O. Ojo (Senior Fellow); Emma Alpert; Asmaa Amadou; Danielle Brown, PhD.; Ginou Choueiri; Chief Baba Neil Clarke; Flex Dance Program; Rochelle Jamila; Tilly J. Lapidos; Harvey Leon; Sirlenda Williams; and Shaun Neblett. Click here to learn more.
An RSVP to this event is required. Secure your spot now!
This special evening will feature:
🎤 Fellow Presentations (6:00–8:00 PM)
Fellows will showcase their socially innovative artistic practices through a series of dynamic 10-minute Ted Talk-style presentations, live demos, performances, film screenings, and interactive experiences.
🗣️ Panel Discussion
Senior Fellow Jeremiah Ojo will lead a 30-minute panel discussion with select fellows delving into the intersection of art, innovation, and social impact.
🥂 Reception (8:00–9:00 PM)
Connect with fellows, funders, industry professionals, and community members over drinks and light bites.
🎧 DJ Sabine Blaizin (5:00 - 9:00 PM)
About Sabine Blaizin
Sabine Blaizin, DJ, Music Producer, and Event Curator, is a prominent DJ and cultural advocate focused on African diasporic music. Founder of Oyasound Productions which merges traditional rhythms with electronic music, she spins a diverse mix of Global Soul, including House, Afrotech, Afrobeat, and Haitian Roots.
With over 15 years in the music scene, she's had the great opportunity to spin nationally in the US in NYC, Atlanta, St. Louis, Memphis, Chicago, Omaha, Boston, New Orleans, Miami, LA/Oakland, NJ, Washington DC, Dallas, Denver and internationally in Canada, Senegal, Haiti, Cuba, London, Paris, Bordeaux, Amsterdam, & Mexico. Thus, she has made significant contributions that solidified her reputation as a key figure in the music industry. She is renowned for her innovative projects like Brooklyn Mecca, a monthly event celebrated as the home of "Grassroots Dance Culture”; Cumbancha, which features African-inspired rhythms in House, Soul, and Latin music; and Rekòlte: A Night of Haitian Roots & House. She also took part in residencies at notable venues like Le Bain (Standard Hotel), Soho House, and House of Yes NYC and music label Fania Records.
She continues to influence the scene with her creative vision and dedication to cultural advocacy. As an activist, Sabine continuously celebrates and elevates the cultural heritage and artistic evolution of the African Diaspora. In this capacity, she is the Director of Programs at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute. Sabine ultimately seeks to create new scholarship through the African and Haitian diasporic lens of music, culture and spirituality.
IG: @SabineBlaizin @Oyasound
Photo: Redens Desrosiers/Réx Services.