Community leaders, public and elected officials, and Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) leadership today joined BronxNet and participating CRNY artists to celebrate the culmination of CRNY’s two-year, $125 million public arts investment project, which has resulted in innovative media arts projects across New York City.
Senator Nathalia Fernandez, who represents the South Bronx and Westchester in SD-34, staff from the Office of Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia, who represents the South Bronx in AD-86, and CRNY leaders recognized CRNY artists. The Office of Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson awarded the artists with certificates of merit.
CRNY artists showcased their work and shared the inspiration, process and vision behind their projects. Some provided opportunities for guests to participate in virtual reality, puppetry and interactive demonstrations.
“Creatives Rebuild New York’s groundbreaking investment in public arts has not only empowered talented artists but also enriched our communities,” said Senator Nathalia Fernandez. The innovative media arts projects showcased today at BronxNet exemplify the transformative power of creativity. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the dedicated CRNY artists who have poured their passion and vision into these remarkable works.”
“We thank Creatives Rebuild New York for making it possible for ten visionary artists to create and innovate at BronxNet,” said Edwin Mejia, Jr., Chairman of the BronxNet Board of Directors. We congratulate the artists and the BronxNet team for producing transformative work and launching these original shows.”
“If you dream it, you can create it at BronxNet, where the arts, media and technology converge,” said BronxNet Executive Director Michael Max Knobbe. “Thanks to the support of Creatives Rebuild NY, 10 + local artists across disciplines were able to create and launch original new shows through two-year residencies at BronxNet, while providing media arts engagement with youth and the public in our state-of-the-art studios. Join us in celebrating these visionary artists, their work, and this impactful Artist Employment Program.”
Participating artists included the following:
- Award-winning puppetry artists Alba Enid García Rivas, Kervin Peralta, and Paola Poucel, producers of the puppet show and TV series EcoLeaders, telling stories that teach children lessons about protecting the environment.
- Filmmakers Jasmine White and Kobina de Graft Johnson, creators of #Stressed, a series about a first-generation Ghanaian American in the Bronx.
- Hip hop artist and producer Rokafella, creator of The Kwik2Rok series, which covers underground artists keeping the legacy of Hip hop culture alive.
- Visual artist Marthalicia Matarrita, host of live art competitions and Random Acts of Art, a live art presentation featuring artists in outdoor/public locations around The Bronx.
- Jon Frier, producer and animator for a series of stop-motion animation public service announcements on topics including digital equity and gun violence reduction.
- Virtual reality (VR) artist Trish Gianakis, developer of VR television sets and NFTs.
- Game Designer Will Roberts, creator of Valla, a cross-reality combat sport created for the Oculus Quest (Meta Quest), taking cues from African Dambe boxing, fencing, anime, pro-bending, and Tai Chi.
About BronxNet
BronxNet is the independent nonprofit organization serving the people of the Bronx with media production training, access to technology, and television channels. BronxNet programs six channels – 2133, 2134, 2135, 2136, 2137 and 2138 on the Verizon Fios system and six channels – 67, 68, 69, 70, 951, and 952 – on the Optimum system in the Bronx. BronxNet’s ultra-local programming helps connect the Bronx with the world while our training programs and partnerships are a part of community development through media. For more information, please visit bronxnet.org.
About Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY)
Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) is a three-year, $125 million investment in the financial stability of New York State artists and the organizations that employ them. CRNY provides guaranteed income and employment opportunities for 2,700 artists whose primary residence is in New York State. These two programs work to alleviate unemployment of artists, continue the creative work of artists in partnership with organizations and their communities, and enable artists to continue working and living in New York State under less financial strain.
