The Sept. 14 debut of “Lakay,” the inaugural exhibition at Atelier Artist, drew city and state elected officials, community leaders, and cultural changemakers who hailed the new immigrant-led creative hub as a vital response to Brooklyn’s affordability crisis.
Hosted at the Brooklyn Commons Clock Tower Loft, “Lakay” — Haitian Kreyòl for “home” — showcased work from a dozen resident artists, blending themes of Diaspora, belonging and resilience.
“The soft launch underscored Atelier Artist’s mission to provide accessible studio space and community programming for underrepresented creatives at a time when rising rents continue to push artists out of Central Brooklyn,” the founders/partners — Jonathan Pierre Lafleur, Franck Henry Godefroy and Mc Alexander Ciceron — told Caribbean Life.
Elected leaders in attendance praised the trio for centering cultural pride and prioritizing local artists and creatives in the project.
They presented citations in praise, while also honoring the event’s artists and community partners.
The honorees — artists and cultural supporters — all showcased the importance of affordability for creatives, and made significant progress supporting that endeavor.
Artist Atelier itself was honored by electeds for its co-working studios that allow artists to thrive without leaving their neighborhoods.
With its debut exhibition now open, Atelier Artist has positioned itself as a creative home, setting the stage for future exhibits, and keeping its doors open for affordable art and creative spaces.
The spotlight shines on ensuring that affordability and artistic excellence remain thriving throughout Brooklyn.
