A native New Yorker of Caribbean heritage, Rasu brings more than 15 years of experience advocating for the Brooklyn cultural and creative community to the organization. Most recently, Rasu applied his dynamic cross-cultural curatorial skills as the Cultural Network Curator at Lambent Foundation, where he translated Lambent’s core values and organizational practice to foster collaboration and exchange among grant partners in New York City, New Orleans, and Nairobi, Kenya. Prior to Lambent, he served as Director of Recruitment and Community Engagement for the New Museum’s art and tech incubator, NEW INC, where he built a professional network of artists, designers, technologists, and entrepreneurs into a cohesive workspace that reflects New York’s diverse and multi-faceted artists. Rasu is also a reputable facilitator in the cultural sector, the founder of Coup d’état BROOKLYN and Coup d’état Arts, and was a producer for Afropunk.

Why do you work for BAC?

“I recently came across this quote that perfectly captures my why: ‘The most radical act in a sick society is to heal yourself then gently help others heal too.’ - I believe the arts are the catalyst for this transformational healing and see Brooklyn Arts Council as being a creative conduit and connective tissue of this healing throughout Brooklyn and beyond; supporting this work is exactly where I want to be, where I know I am meant to be, and why I feel so lucky to be part of the incredible BAC team!”

What Brooklyn neighborhood(s) do you feel most connected to and why?

“Fort Greene and Clinton Hill have been my home for the past 10 years, and while there have been a few short moments of living elsewhere, I can confidently say there is no other place that has felt like home quite like Brooklyn. My father grew up in Sheepshead Bay after immigrating from Cuba and trips to Brooklyn visiting family from my childhood home just outside of the city are potent memories of my upbringing. Moreover, my parents met and had their first date in Downtown Brooklyn (Junior’s!) and Bensonhurst was their first home together; where I lived for the first 6-months of my life. All that to say, for me, there is truly no other home than Brooklyn!”

Bio

Melissa Caballero (she/her) is a Native New Yorker, arts administrator, and operational contriver whose work is anchored in her firm belief that radical introspection of mind, body, and soul are interdependent components vital to reimagining more equitable, prosperous, and healthy communities. She is captivated by the cultural influence that institutional design has in shaping our society and the interconnectedness of community, business, and the arts. Bridging her previous experiences in Media Buying Activation for Proctor and Gamble with Publicis Media and Operations and Client Experience at Barry’s LLC, with her personal experiences as a hospice caretaker and a second-generation immigrant of Cuban descent, she seeks to heed her inner calling to participate in unraveling the social injustices embedded in our society and facilitate collective community healing through the power of the arts. Melissa graduated from Baruch College in December 2022 with an MA in Arts Administration where she subsequently went on to work as the Administrative Assistant at Downtown Brooklyn Arts Alliance. She also holds a BA in Economics from Binghamton University and is a certified Reiki Healer.

Why do you work for BAC?

“I have always believed in the role the arts has to play in shaping and enriching communities and I have been fortunate to have spent my entire career in public service, seeking out opportunities in which I can support this important work. You will hear me say time and time again, there is nowhere quite like Brooklyn and it is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve the artists and communities of Brooklyn through my role at Brooklyn Arts Council.”

What Brooklyn neighborhood(s) do you feel most connected to and why?

“It was love at first sight for this Northern British girl. From my first visit to Brooklyn in 2006, (a very different DUMBO) to moving to Bed Stuy in 2021, this vibrant, energetic, full of life, crazy borough captured a piece of my heart that can never be replaced. It is no coincidence that Brooklyn Arts Council was my first port of call when I arrived from the UK and I will be forever grateful to this borough for the career, community and forever friends it has given me. There really is nowhere quite like Brooklyn!”

Bio

Emma Cookson is an arts manager and cultural programmer with over 13 years of experience leading and influencing local, national and international cultural programs and policies. With a BA (First Class Hons) in Drama and English and a Diploma in Leadership & Management, Emma started her career in the British Council's Arts Team, before spending 8 years at an outer London borough arts service where she worked with artists & creative practitioners, community organizations, development agencies and civic leaders to develop and deliver high quality and innovative cultural programs and projects with the aim of increasing and improving access to arts and culture.

Underpinning all of Emma's work is the belief that arts & culture should be available to everyone. She is committed to advocating for artists & the arts and excited by the role they have to play in improving and enriching people, place and community.

Originally from the north of England, New York City is one of Emma's lifelong passions. Others include food, travel, books, running and her rescue pup Delilah.

Why do you work for BAC?

“I work for the BAC because I am inspired by the mission and in the transformative power of the arts to inspire, connect, and uplift communities. The team’s dedication to fostering artistic expression and cultural enrichment resonates deeply with me both personally and professionally. By contributing my skills and passion to BAC, I see myself playing a meaningful role in nurturing Brooklyn's vibrant creative ecosystem and making the arts more accessible to all.”

What Brooklyn neighborhood(s) do you feel most connected to and why?

“Maybe a cop-out answer, but all of them! I have a story or experience in just about every corner of Brooklyn that has influenced me so much in life. I grew up around Flatlands and went to schools in Midwood, Park Slope, and Downtown Brooklyn. I also worked in Greenpoint, Williamsburg, and Crown Heights. I have spent time with friends everywhere from East New York, to Dumbo, to Bay Ridge, and to Coney Island. But if I had to pick one, I’d say Flatbush for the culture, vibrancy, and community.”

Bio

Stanley Delva is an artist and arts administrator who believes deeply in building equitable communities and offering resources to strengthen underserved communities. He is passionate about supporting emerging filmmakers, visual artists, and small businesses through his freelance fundraising work. He has previously worked in Fundraising and Development with arts non profits like Haiti Cultural Exchange, El Museo del Barrio, and Cool Culture. Stanley has been a supporter of getting the arts funded through his grant writing as well as previously serving as a grant panelist for the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), New York City’s Department for Cultural Affairs (DCLA), the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC), and the Awesome Foundation New York City’s chapter. A Brooklyn bred, native New Yorker of Haitian descent, Stanley cherishes the Caribbean heritage seen across the city. He has received a Bachelor's degree in English and African American Studies from Brooklyn College and a Master’s degree in Museum Studies from CUNY School of Professional Studies.

Why do you work for BAC?

“I work for BAC because it is a values driven, artist centered organization committed to seeing Brooklyn artists and communities thrive. My colleagues at BAC are thoughtful, caring, deeply embedded in Brooklyn communities and committed to providing responsive programs that fit the unique needs of the partners we serve.”

What Brooklyn neighborhood(s) do you feel most connected to and why?

“I feel most connected to Kensington, Ditmas Park, and Flatbush where I’ve called home for many years. I can be spotted in Prospect Park on the daily. I also have an affinity for Clinton Hill where spent much of my time serving neighbors and building partnerships in my previous leadership role at JACK!”

Bio

Skye E. Kowaleski (they/them) is a Brooklyn-based, multidisciplinary creator and facilitator dedicated to cultivating creative spaces for learning, transformation, and liberation. They have over 15-years of experience creating and directing new theatrical work, organizing artistic and educational events, and creatively and administratively supporting artists, educators, and change-makers in New York City. Their theatrical work as a writer and director has been seen at The Bushwick Starr, JACK, Woolly Mammoth Theater Company, The Brick, Ars Nova, University Settlement, The Bowery Poetry Club, and more. Their essays and articles have appeared in publications such as Salty Magazine, Media Diversity Institute, and The Re/Visionist. They have held previous positions at The League of Independent Theater, The Public, The Times Center, Collaborate Consulting (a trans-led DEI firm), and as Associate Director of Young Jean Lee’s Theater Company and Town Stages. Most recently they served as Co-Director of Clinton-Hill performance meets civic space, JACK, and currently serve on the board of the Downtown Brooklyn Arts Alliance. When not in an art space, they consult and educate on gender inclusivity for clients such as Mount Sinai Hospital, teach breathwork, and work with local community organizers. Skye holds B.F.A in Drama and Psychology from NYU (Experimental Theater Wing) and a master’s degree in Women’s and Gender History from Sarah Lawrence College. www.skyekowaleski.com

Why do you work for BAC?

“Because I love being a part of the glue that connects artists to funding and arts educations to schools!”

What Brooklyn neighborhood(s) do you feel most connected to and why?

“East New York, it's where my grandparents grew up!”

Bio

Allie Marotta (she/her) is a NYC-based arts educator, administrator, and collaborative theatre maker specializing in immersive, experiential, and devised theatre. Allie has presented work at NYC venues Teatro SEA, FringeNYC, Theater for the New City, Dixon Place, Theatre Row, and HERE Arts Center, and internationally in Ecuador, Greece, Argentina, and throughout the U.K. Allie has taught for various arts organizations throughout NYC and NJ including Marquis Studios, Queens Theatre, Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, Wingspan Arts, Falconworks Theatre, George Street Playhouse, and more. She is a NYC staff correspondent for No Proscenium and a founding creator of experiential theatre company You&I. Allie is also a healthcare and disability patient advocate. She works with grassroots organizations NY #insulin4all, Mutual Aid Diabetes, and the Campaign for NY Health. Education: MA Contemporary Performance Practices (RHUL), BA Acting, BA Directing (Pace University). www.allie-marotta.com

Why do you work for BAC?

“I work for BAC for a Sustainable Arts Brooklyn. Arts and Culture are such a big part of my life, and working for BAC assists with this narrative in a big way. I love connecting artists with like-minded organizations that understand the value of arts for the emotional sustenance that art brings to the Brooklyn community.”

What Brooklyn neighborhood(s) do you feel most connected to and why?

“I feel a connection to all of Brooklyn! As a Born and raised Brooklynite, all the enclaves are one big neighborhood. Wherever I roam, Brooklyn is home.”

Bio

Taeesha Muhammad (she/her) is an international artist and educator whose works inspire dialog about the power of language related to the Africans in the Americas from all Diasporas. Taeesha is a native New Yorker and has taught at various locations in and around Brooklyn, including Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Public Library, Charter, Private, and Homeschool clusters. Internationally, she has conducted workshops in Morocco, Madrid, and Mexico. As a POC and a global citizen, her motivation is to seek opportunities that create dialog, understanding, and connections of cultural norms. It is our nuances that create our culture. Taeesha is the Co-Director of GAMA, Gathering All Muslim Artists, a Teaching Fellow at Arts Westchester, Visual Storyteller, Culture Bearer, and Curator.

Why do you work for BAC?

“I work for BAC because I've experienced and witnessed first-hand the profoundly transformative impact that arts resourcing and funding have had on the well-being of me and my communities. I'm passionate about supporting individuals on their journeys of creative exploration, especially as it intersects with healing and amplifies the voices of those systematically excluded from arts and culture spaces. I'm grateful to be able to contribute to BAC's mission to create diverse and interconnected avenues for community artists to feel uplifted to share their work and stories.”

What Brooklyn neighborhood(s) do you feel most connected to and why?

“The Brooklyn neighborhood I feel most connected to is Bushwick. Through living in Bushwick, I’ve been fortunate to connect with so many QTBIPOC artists who are invested in using their creative practices to create communal care networks and envision new ways to be in relationship with one another. It has been inspiring and nourishing to collaborate with and experience the work of artists dedicated to applying their creativity to pour back into their communities.”

Bio

Priyanha Nadanasabesan (she/they) is a Sri Lankan American artist-activist and community health worker passionate about resourcing artists and cultural workers to explore individual and collective creative expression, autonomy, and wellness. In 2022, Priyanha became a grant recipient of the Creatives Rebuild New York Artist Employment Program and co-founded AMMOR Collective, a QTBIPOC artist hub in Bushwick-Brooklyn. Through this work, she envisioned, managed, and facilitated accessible arts-centered grief-processing experiences for People of the Global Majority. Before this, they worked as a Program and Development Manager at End of Life Choices New York, where she developed programming on holistic end-of-life care. Priyanha believes that utilizing the arts as a healing tool is essential to creating a world where everyone can thrive in their most authentic and free self.

Emmy Weissman is an arts educator and administrator based in NYC. She currently serves as the grants associate at Brooklyn Arts Council, following her previous role as the arts in education administrative assistant. As a teaching artist, she has worked with the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Classic Stage Company, Arts Connection, Girl Be Heard, NYC Children's Theater, The 92nd Street Y, Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, and SOUL Sisters Leadership Collective. She hopes to empower her students and fellow artists to lead vibrant, compassionate lives.