The Brooklyn Music School, a historic institution with a 115-year history in New York City, is facing challenges due to cuts in arts funding, impacting over 6,000 students enrolled in music education programs. In response to the budget cuts, the school has been forced to close some programs and put staff on leave, prompting them to urgently organize fundraising concerts and online campaigns.
According to information released by the Brooklyn Music School on the charity donation platform “Give Butter,” the school aims to raise $100,000 and held a benefit concert on Wednesday evening. Artists such as Meshell Ndegeocello, Peter Gunz, Gordon Chambers, and DJ Logic participated in the event to support the cause.
In a statement on the donation page, the school highlighted its commitment to providing music and arts education services to the community. With government funding cuts looming, the school faces the possibility of suspending its summer programs starting on July 8, affecting over 6,000 children and families. As a result, the school has already canceled projects scheduled for June and granted key staff members leave.
Brian Adamczyk, the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Music School, explained in a response to an inquiry from the press that crucial scholarships such as the After-School Cultural Arts program (CASA) and the Community Arts Engagement program (SU-CASA) have yet to be secured. Alongside budget reductions, high maintenance costs for the century-old school building, the cessation of COVID-19 relief funds, and the school’s commitment to providing low-cost performing arts programs have severely impacted the institution’s cash flow.
Adamczyk stated, “I had to make very difficult decisions in May, putting over 80% of our team on leave to immediately reduce expenses. For the same reasons, we also canceled the final few weeks of the spring term projects in June.”
Pointing out the issue lies not only in delayed funding but also in the timing of fund availability, Adamczyk added, “Without proper funding and the ability to ensure payroll, I cannot responsibly start the summer semester. I may need to pause the new semester again.”
Established in 1909, the Brooklyn Music School, located in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, is a community school focusing on the performing arts, offering private and group lessons as well as an after-school education program called “Arts Reaching Youth” for children aged 5 to 11. For more information on the Brooklyn Music School’s benefit concert and online fundraising efforts, visit: https://givebutter.com/c/47dMYO.