The Barclays Center, located in the heart of Brooklyn, is set to enhance its artistic offerings through "Brooklyn Art Encounters," a groundbreaking multi-year initiative. This program aims to elevate public art displays in the arena's prominent plaza and introduce a dynamic artist-in-residence program, with renowned artist Paul Pfeiffer kicking off the series.
Pfeiffer, known for his exploration of the intersections between art and sports, will lead a year-long media workshop tailored for justice-impacted youth and adults from the local community. This collaborative effort with fellow artist Shaun Leonardo, supported by the Social Justice Fund, will offer training in video production, storytelling, and media practices. Participants will gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into Barclays Center operations during live events, covering aspects such as broadcasting, security, and concessions.
Beginning in May, the initiative will also introduce an "Art on the Hour" series, showcasing 60-second digital artworks on the arena's impressive "Oculus" LED screen. In the fall, Sarah Sze will debut her new commissioned piece, Wave, which features over 250 animated projected images designed to create a wave-like sculpture in the atrium. Additionally, significant works by artists Rashid Johnson and Mark Bradford will be displayed at the "Flatbush Premium" entrance, while Kambui Olujimi will present We Always Have Room for One More, a series of bronze sculptures depicting historical and fictional characters engaged in the local street game Skelly.
The forthcoming "Brooklyn Art Encounters" programming follows a successful presentation last summer by LaToya Frazier, who showcased large-scale photographic portraits of players from the New York Liberty, the celebrated women's basketball team sharing the arena with the Brooklyn Nets. Other notable artists who have exhibited at Barclays Center include Ursula von Rydingsvard, Adam Pendleton, Mickalene Thomas, Tavares Stachan, and José Parlá.
Curatorial oversight for "Brooklyn Art Encounters" will be provided by Andria Hickey, who has previously served as the chief curator of the Shed and held curatorial roles at Pace Gallery, MOCA Cleveland, and New York's Public Art Fund. The advisory team includes prominent figures such as Thelma Golden, Michael Govan, Clara Kim, Hans Ulrich Obrist, Anne Pasternak, and Akili Tommasino.
This innovative approach to integrating art and community engagement at the Barclays Center not only enriches the cultural landscape of Brooklyn but also sets a visionary precedent for how public spaces can foster artistic expression and social connection in the future.
