BRIC Friend,
I am so delighted to write to you – a BRIC supporter – and an invaluable part of our shared community.
My name is Avani Patel and for almost nine years I have worked as a teaching artist with BRIC in public schools across Brooklyn, developing project-based learning programs for students from all walks of life that are informed by my own practice as a working artist. As a BRIC supporter, you are a partner in this work, in classrooms throughout Brooklyn each day. I hope we can count on your support this year.
During the 2020-2021 school year, while navigating the impacts of COVID-19, BRIC provided 73 residencies across 41 sites and served an estimated 1,400 students. Currently, BRIC’s teaching artists are working in 130 residences across 41 sites. I serve in three different Brooklyn schools helping students grow as artists and creators and bringing joy and creativity to their lives each and every day.
I’m writing to you today to ask for your support of BRIC’s programming — including our education programming with youth and families.
HEAD HERE TO SUPPORT BRIC’S WORK
I’ve had the privilege of teaching kids not only about art history and technique but also showing them how to use their own imagination and creative skills in ways that impact their lives. Through letters, emails, and conversations, students tell me just how important my classes are to them. These are some of my most treasured memories from my time as a BRIC teaching artist.
Many of the schools BRIC serves are as diverse as the city we call home. Through our work together, students build their understanding of different cultures through the lens of art and media. At one school alone, IS281, over 42 countries are represented across the different grades. As an immigrant from India, I never received this level of wide-scale cultural exposure at a young age and am grateful to be able to support those efforts through my work.
CAN YOU GIVE TODAY TO HELP
SUPPORT BRIC’S EDUCATION WORK?
Many people only know about one part of BRIC, oftentimes through major programs like the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, our contemporary art work or BRIC TV programs. But I believe that our education efforts throughout Brooklyn public schools, while less publicly visible, are some of the most impactful work of the organization on the lives of young people and their families.
By contributing to BRIC, you are investing in this crucial work for students in public schools across Brooklyn. YOU are a part of each and every student’s story. I hope you will continue on this journey with us this next year.
Wishing you and your family a lovely holiday season.
With gratitude,
Avani Patel
P.S. Please consider investing in the creative lives of students across Brooklyn through a donation to BRIC before December 31st.
