Schultz has transformed BRIC into a leading art and media institution and has been instrumental to expanding its programming, education initiatives and community engagement
Leslie Griesbach Schultz announced today that she will step down as president of BRIC, a leader in presenting free cultural programming, and a major incubator and supporter of Brooklyn artists and media-makers in Brooklyn. Schultz, who has led the organization since 2005, will remain in her position until June 2018, when the organization begins a yearlong celebration of its 40th anniversary. BRIC's board of directors has begun a nationwide search for her replacement.
"Serving as head of BRIC these past 12 years has been the great privilege and joy of my career," said Schultz. "I am beyond fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time as we went on this journey together, re-dedicating BRIC to promoting access to arts and media for all; to providing support for artists and media-makers who truly reflect the diversity of our City; and to amplifying community voices and stories."
Under Schultz's leadership, the organization opened BRIC House, a 40,000-square-foot arts-and-media with year-round programming that attracts 100,000 visitors each year. The facility includes two performance spaces; contemporary art exhibition spaces; its television studio where BRIC TV, the award-winning Brooklyn-focused cable and digital network, films and broadcasts; and a public access media center.
"Leslie has been a driving force behind the growth of BRIC and its expanding role as a leader in the New York City cultural landscape," said Hilary Ackermann, chair of the BRIC board of directors. "BRIC would not be where it is today, were it not for Leslie's stewardship.
BRIC programs now include the free, summer-long BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival; BRIC TV, whose programming includes original scripted series, a live daily show, and hyper-local news stories and documentaries illuminating issues affecting the borough's diverse communities; Brooklyn Free Speech TV, a public access TV network that amplifies alternative voices in media; BRIC JazzFest; the BRIC House Sessions concert series; the weekly Stoop Series of free public conversations with artists, authors and filmmakers, and much more. Last year, BRIC's school-based arts and media education program operated in more than 35 Brooklyn public schools.
"As BRIC proudly approaches its 40th anniversary year, it seems the perfect moment to help usher in BRIC's next era of growth by welcoming the next generation of leadership," said Schultz. "I will be sad to say goodbye in June, but I am excited for the new chapter ahead, both for myself and for BRIC."
