recognizing and commending the Brooklyn Arts Council upon the occasion of hosting its Brooklyn Arts Awards on May 19, 2026

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Parker

The bill ceremonially recognizes the Brooklyn Arts Council’s 60-year legacy and its 2026 Brooklyn Arts Awards, including honoring Laylah Amatullah Barrayn.

REFERRED TO FINANCE

Summary of Bill J 2312 (Session: 2025-2026, New York)

Purpose and intent

Recognizes and commends the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC) for its enduring role in Brooklyn’s cultural life and its 60-year impact on the borough’s artistic, civic, and creative communities.

Specifically commemorates BAC’s Brooklyn Arts Awards ceremony held on May 19, 2026, at Powerhouse Arts in Brooklyn, under the theme Then. Now. Next.

Key provisions and changes

Formal recognition: The bill designates BAC and its contributions to Brooklyn as part of the Legislature’s tradition of honoring culturally significant institutions.

Event acknowledgment: Highlights BAC’s 60-year milestone and its role in supporting artists, organizations, and cultural initiatives.

Honoree acknowledgment: Commends all honorees of the Brooklyn Arts Awards 2026, with specific note of photographer Laylah Amatullah Barrayn for her contributions documenting Black culture and memory.

Organizational leadership and partners: Expresses appreciation for BAC’s Executive Director, staff, board, grantees, teaching artists, and community partners.

Official actions: States that copies of the Resolution be transmitted to BAC and to Laylah Amatullah Barrayn.

Who or what would be affected

Brooklyn Arts Council: Official statewide recognition by the New York Legislature.

Laylah Amatullah Barrayn: Specifically acknowledged as a honoree.

BAC leadership, staff, grantees, teaching artists, and community partners: Public acknowledgment and formal commendation.

General public: Elevates awareness of BAC’s mission, programming, and its impact on Brooklyn’s arts ecosystem.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative action: Resolution recognizing BAC’s hosting of the 2026 Brooklyn Arts Awards and its 60-year history.

Status: Referred to the Committee on Finance (Action History shows 2026-05-29 referral to Finance).

Effective date: As a concurrent or commemorative resolution, it would take effect upon enactment by the Senate (and Assembly, if applicable) and publication. The bill functions as a ceremonial commendation rather than creating new statutory requirements or funding.

Notable context and background (within the resolution)

BAC’s historical evolution: Originated in 1966 as the Brooklyn Arts and Cultural Association, later adopting the Brooklyn Arts Council name in 1986.

Notable programs: Early youth-focused initiatives (e.g., 1968 Salute to Creative Youth) and significant support for artists through grants, including collaboration with NYS Council on the Arts and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.

Economic and cultural impact: In 2025, BAC distributed over $1.82 million to 378 Brooklyn-based artists, creatives, and cultural organizations, illustrating its role in Brooklyn’s creative economy and civic life.

Honoree profile: Laylah Amatullah Barrayn, recognized for documenting Black culture, memory, labor, and identity through photography.

Overall takeaway

This bill is a ceremonial resolution that publicly recognizes the Brooklyn Arts Council’s 60-year legacy, its ongoing contributions to Brooklyn’s arts and communities, and the 2026 Brooklyn Arts Awards, including honoring Laylah Amatullah Barrayn. It also extends appreciation to BAC’s leadership and partners and facilitates official transmission of the recognition to BAC and the honoree.