Kicking Off a New Season with Some Changes
We’re kicking off our new season of Target First Saturday next week. We have been working on an exciting lineup of programs for months, and can’t wait to get started. Before we begin, we wanted to bring everyone up to speed on some changes.
If you’ve been to one of these monthly events, you know that we’ve been seeing more attendance than ever at First Saturday. You, the visitors, have really brought this event to life, making it such a vibrant part of Brooklyn, and that’s been amazing to see. We have to acknowledge, however, while the attendance is growing, our building is staying the same size, and we’ve run into some challenges with capacity crowds and traffic flow throughout the building.
What does that mean for the event? Well, essentially it means that we are going to put the dance party on hiatus for the time being. This was not a decision we made lightly. We had a lot of discussion with staff and community members to get additional input. Since we made the decision, we’ve seen visitor feedback come in on both sides. Some people are looking forward to a new experience and excited for the change, while others are really sad to see the dance party go.
With this change, we’ll be introducing different kinds of programming, and watching the traffic flow to ensure that each visitor’s experience is the best possible. You’ll see new things like artist-led participatory activities, site-specific performances, and intimate issue-driven discussions. What won’t change is what’s at the heart of First Saturday, and that’s the community. You. The museum will still be a place to see and be seen, to meet people, and to network. We’ll continue to showcase Brooklyn-based talent, tons of live music, hands-on art making for kids and adults alike, gallery tours, films, curator and artist talks. There will be five floors of activities and programs that bring the Museum to life.
As we move forward with these adjustments, we are listening to your feedback. We appreciate you taking the time to tell us your thoughts about the programming changes, and look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions to the months ahead.
Ro Ho:
September 27th, 2012 at 1:29 pm
Why not encourage some other museum like the museum of the city of new York to take over the dance party function? Call it “Second Saturday ” in case you change your mind and decide to restore the dance party.
patrice leach:
September 28th, 2012 at 4:05 pm
I am very happy that the Musem has elected to make a change. I was shocked and affronted to hear the DJ ask the audience at the July Dance Party ” How you mf’s doing” not once but twice. I remember when … and this is NOT what I or any of my friends wish to be associated with. You can imagine ho fearful I was to leave my daughter and her visiting friend (both 20 years old) in the Dance Party I had “talked up” as such a wonderful thing we used to do on a regular basis. Yeah, definitely time to “do something else”. Good job for handling the issues so calmly and respectfully. Love you Brooklyn (Museum)!
zyxy:
September 29th, 2012 at 11:44 pm
The dance party at First Saturday is a premier event in Brooklyn among people who love to dance! But the majority of traffic is from people standing around and NOT dancing, and this is a huge loss for the Brooklyn dancing community …
Dance events commonly facing this challenge seek to promote a culture of “no standing on the dance floor!” using
- signs
- reminders from the dj
- the website
- not vending in the dance ares
- most importantly, a “chill” space – a place for people to socialize, away from the dance floor
I’ve even seen playful volunteer “police” in “uniforms” who issue “tickets” with “fines” for not dancing and other “violations” in the desired culture the event is seeking to promote.
Thanks for addressing the congestion and safety! We pray you can find ways to bring back the dance party – the Brooklyn dance community is a little shattered …
Terrence Mills:
October 1st, 2012 at 7:56 am
We need the dance party back this is insane every time we have something good that put smiles on people faces they take it away target first Saturday is the best thing that ever happened in bklyn thank you i have met celebrities and hopefully my future wife lol.People stand around and alot and network some are also on the dance floor getting there groove on so i hope the dance segment comes back soon. Thank you for hosting target first Saturday Elisabeth Callihan you have done a great job now lets get back to dancing again soon yeaaahhh lol.
bk bobb:
October 1st, 2012 at 2:33 pm
big fan of the dance parties, and sad to see them leave.
that being said, my biggest peave with the dance parties was the really poor accoustics! –
this really contributed to the feeling of the undefined free-for all in the huge ballroom. there were no demarcations from pathways, ‘dancing’ zone and non dancing/socializing areas. on top of that were the to-capacity crowds.
if you look at a lot of nightclubs/bars around ny, they clearly designate where the dancefloor is and where the lounge area is for example. also, as much as we all cringe at the concepts – the ‘VIP’ and ‘guestlist’ concepts also help to manage popular events and places.
*there were so many great dance parties at BM, i would like to see them come back with better crowd control and sound system in place.
i’m also sure people would be willing to contribute a ‘suggested donation’ or sign up in advance for a guestlist.
*my 2 cents.
steph:
October 1st, 2012 at 3:25 pm
The dance party was a major reason I’d go. I did enjoy the other events, certain exhibits, and the movies you’d show (when i could get tickets) but the lack of a dance party actually makes me not want to go. It’s not guaranteed that i can attend the other events, and the dance party was the only part I KNOW I could enjoy.
I wish there was a way for ppl to get tickets before hand for the other events going on during first saturday. or have more options (show the movies twice).
I do want to say that I do understand why it was taken away but I’ll be honest, without it I know a lot of people aren’t motivated to go.
Gina:
October 1st, 2012 at 10:20 pm
Oh no! So sad to read about this. The dance party was my favorite place to dance in NYC. One of the only places (if not THE only place) where EVERYBODY could go to dance and have fun. The acoustics were indeed terrible though, as bkbobb mentioned. Instead of canceling them altogether, I hope you consider bringing them back with some better management. Perhaps even with timed tickets like the other events, or some other method of crowd control. You’re going to lose a big chunk of your crowds and support without it.
Fabrizio:
October 2nd, 2012 at 2:51 pm
this is a shame, the dance party has been a crucial part of Target First Saturday , another piece of the artful puzzle that is the Brooklyn Museum with the variety of people, the great exhibitions and everything else.
If the main reason is the amount of people why don’t give tickets for that as well, like you do for other things; if instead the reason was the DJ screaming profanities during July party then you’ll need to dig deeper in the DJs history and have someone well prepared in that field that can pick the right people…
John Kwok:
October 2nd, 2012 at 3:22 pm
As someone who has been a visitor to this museum since the mid 1960s – when I was a young child – I think the museum’s main priority must be protecting its collection from potential mishandling and damage by museum visitors during “First Saturday” events. Too often I have seen people touching objects – which, given their fragility should not be handled at all except by museum conservation staff and museum curators – or acting as though the Brooklyn Museum was one large vast nightclub. My apologies to those who may find these comments objectionable, but it is in the public’s interest to ensure that the Brooklyn Museum and its collections will endure intact to the 2060s and beyond so that young children in the future will derive as much pleasure and learning that I acquired in my youth.
Jenee from da Block:
October 2nd, 2012 at 4:48 pm
I for one am happy to see the dance parties go. I loved the music and the idea, but they were a crowded mess of people who just wanted to show off and stand around. If that many people want to go to the Museum and wear their Sunday finest, than the least you can do is support the museum with a membership. Literally thousands of people and I doubt very many, if any, made contributions to this great organization.
Happy to see what other cultural events the Museum can cook up for First Saturdays.
Plus I was beginning to worry for the safety of individuals considering that the area is somewhat known for crime. It’s a lucky thing that no fights ever broke out or worse.
I was wondering how the fire marshal let the situation continue on.
Again, I love to dance and love great music, but the acoustics were bad and the crowd, in my opinion is really just a bunch of peacock posers.
Joyce Marie Wright:
October 2nd, 2012 at 6:18 pm
I knew this was coming…I could sense it…truth of the matter is the neighborhood residents probably put pressure on the Museum to drop the dance party because of the heavy traffic before and especially after. I agree with an early comment that mentioned that although they enjoyed the entire day of events…its really the dance party that made you come out. I’d also like to point out that the local businesses around the area of the museum enjoyed a surge of customers..before, during and after the dance party. Ive been in this neighborhood for 38 yrs and have observed the 360 change. The dance party was the hot event city wide and its a shame that selfish people sought to and succeeded in having it dismantaled. All the pretty words in the world wont change the real deal; I can sense that the Labor Day Carnival is next. It’s sad that we cant be tolerant.
Joyce Marie Wright:
October 2nd, 2012 at 6:22 pm
I knew this was coming…I could sense it…truth of the matter is the neighborhood residents probably put pressure on the Museum to drop the dance party because of the heavy traffic before and especially after. I agree with an early comment that mentioned that although they enjoyed the entire day of events…its really the dance party that made you come out. I’d also like to point out that the local businesses around the area of the museum enjoyed a surge of customers..before, during and after the dance party. Ive been in this neighborhood for 38 yrs and have observed the 360 change. The dance party was the hot event city wide and its a shame that selfish people sought to and succeeded in having it removed. Rather than finding a solution.as usual the power that be decided to throw out the baby with the bath water.
Labor Day Carnival is probably next.
Nick T.:
October 2nd, 2012 at 10:14 pm
I agree with Jenee. While I too enjoyed music, the crowd was just too much. I understand people came to First Saturdays for a variety of reasons, but it was very disappointing to see that the majority of people who would attend solely due to the dance party and not to really appreciate the cultural activities leading into the dance party. I’m not talking about the people who actually came to dance and enjoy the overall experience, but the people who would be just standing around. I’m sure these individuals come to the museum only on the Saturday when it’s free.
I do like the idea of requiring a ticket to attend the dance party. Or may have people give a monetary donation just for the party. The donation can either go to the museum or to a local business or artist that the museum supports.
Whta:
October 2nd, 2012 at 11:29 pm
What a shame!
John Kwok:
October 2nd, 2012 at 11:33 pm
The Brooklyn Museum is noted for its world-renowned Egyptology collection, substantial collections of European and American paintings, and its unique permanent exhibitions like its fifth floor “American Identities: A New Look” and the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art. Adequate preservation and protection from potential damage from the public, especially during a “First Saturday” event, should be the museum’s primary responsibility, especially since future generations of children and adults should have the right to enjoy the museum’s collections, deriving as much pleasure and knowledge and appreciation of art, that I have been forunate to have for years, ever since I visited the museum for the first time as a young child back in the middle 1960s. I think it is especially short-sighted for other commentators to insist that the dance party should survive, especially when there are other, larger venues elsewhere in the city. I regret I must repeat myself; the Brooklyn Museum is not a vast nightclub on the first Saturday of virtually every month, but one of the world’s great art museums, and I think it is time many visitors start recognizing, appreciating, and treating the Brooklyn Museum with the ample respect it deserves.
Pat:
October 3rd, 2012 at 1:31 am
I wasn’t able to truly enjoy the dance party with all the kids running around like it’s a playground. 9-11pm dance party should not be for kids (shouldn’t they be in bed?), because they have many hours beforehand to enjoy what First Saturdays have to offer. It would be nice to revamp this and make it so adults can have the night to mingle and enjoy the company of other adults, if it comes back.
T:
October 3rd, 2012 at 2:01 am
As debt-fueled gentrification makes further inroads into Brooklyn goes something as fundamental to communities of color as music and dance–the kind that is NOT cultivated in liberal arts schools–the inextinguishable debt for which is now punishing a good proportion of graduates, even more so in the arts. Replacing the Beaux-Arts (or the Summer parking lot) dance events with more vicarious entertainment makes as much sense as dismissing this huge draw and revenue stream for the Museum (if the refreshment lines were adequately staffed). (Isn’t that what black-tie events and galas are for?) But, if the crowds for this uniquely-Brooklyn event blocked foot traffic to the adjoining galleries, why not schedule the music later and run it with non-staff volunteers. (I would venture that this is one of the few Museum events for which actual staff would volunteer to stay later). As for DJs who can’t recognize a family/community event when they see one, why book them, again…?
John Kwok:
October 3rd, 2012 at 9:33 am
T -
You’ve missed my point that the Brooklyn Museum is one of the world’s great art museums and needs to be treated as such, including by those residing in the surrounding community. There can still be excellent, revenue-driven, cultural events at the Brooklyn Museum which tap into the many talented dancers, musicians, writers and artists who live in the adjoining neighborhoods. If people want to hold dance parties, then they should hold them at venues which are substantially more appropriate than one of the world’s great art museums. (Regrettably one that is still underappreciated by many New Yorkers.) I say good riddance to the dance party; it was the correct decision made by the Brooklyn Museum and one that should have been made years ago.
John Kwok:
October 3rd, 2012 at 9:41 am
T -
If you want dance parties, try the American Museum of Natural History, which has become the “Disney Emporium of Natural History” and its main museum ship, “Bloomingdates”. At least the American Museum of Natural History has substantially more security personnel and the financial resources for such an undertaking, but even in these Obama recession times, it has been forced to cut back on its spending for public educational and cultural events.
MikasThoughts:
October 3rd, 2012 at 11:58 am
YAAAAAY! NOW I CAN BE AROUND PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY GO TO FIRST SATURDAYS TO UMMM…HEAR LIVE MUSIC….LEARN AND ENJOY ART.
WOO HOO!!
Victoria:
October 3rd, 2012 at 4:36 pm
I loved the dance parties, and they were the prime reason I used to go to First Saturday… But that was a few years ago. Back when the crowds were smaller and there was more variety in the dance music, like contra dancing and even polka sometimes! I loved that all ages were on the dance floor and it felt like such community. In recent years, tho, the dance parties have become increasingly more crowded and more like going to a night club. NOT such a family/community scene any more. So while I hate to see no dancing, in light of how things have been as of late, I think this was the right decision, at least for now. Very glad you will still have music, and I hope the musical offerings remain as diverse as our borough is. And that said, thank you for First Saturdays. In any form, it really is a gift to the community.
T:
October 4th, 2012 at 9:45 am
Dear James,
This isn’t about you, your multiple comments, or the 29 other days of the month you have to visit the museum in silent bliss. This is about Brooklyn, its museum, and the diminishing spaces for its people to enjoy and perform free art, the principal form of which is dance for perhaps most Brooklynites. And, that form of expression has been systematically discriminated against since Giuliani’s enforcement of blue laws, which made dancing effectively illegal in bars that didn’t have a prohibitively costly Cabaret license. (After getting caught a few times, bars could lose their liquor license if a single person “moved rhythmically” to a juke box, let alone a live band.) At that point in time, there were only a few hundred venues that had permission, in a city of 8 million, and the venues were generally as reprehensible as you might imagine. And, they still are.
Debt-fueled gentrification–one probable motivation–is only compounding that fact (as its consequences wreak havok on art and culture, outside of America’s rich hamlets). Listen to Lehrer’s coverage of “Cabaret laws” in the WNYC archives or google “No Dancing Allowed,” which many bars were forced to display on their walls during Rudy’s reign). And note that this prohibition-era law was reputedly crafted to keep white women out of Harlem jazz clubs. Yes, to segregate races and confine women, in NYC.
Ask around and you’ll find there are few venues left which cater to dancing or it’s diversity, and far fewer where parents and grandparents can share the cultural richness and thrill with children. The Natural History museum events come with a $20-$25 entrance fee, and the average Brooklynite is poor. And, if this is about enjoying the exhibits for free, hit the third floor early or avoid the parking lot.
I noticed another comment about traditional forms of music and dance and I wholly agree, but would add: Hit reverse on this devolutionary process and bring more traditional African and Caribbean music and dance! Show us something we hardly know anything about and, thus, can’t and won’t appreciate!
wmj:
October 4th, 2012 at 9:50 am
@MikasThoughts….YAAAAAY! NOW I CAN BE AROUND PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY GO TO FIRST SATURDAYS TO UMMM…HEAR LIVE MUSIC….LEARN AND ENJOY ART.
….and there you have it. You used some pretty (and seemingly innocent) words to express the real reason the dance party is being shut down.
wmj:
October 4th, 2012 at 9:56 am
@ T….your “letter” to Dear James was most excellent. My name is wmj and I approve of this message.
Conan:
October 4th, 2012 at 11:04 am
I will miss the dance parties. Nothing made me so happy to live in Brooklyn as that amazing mix of people of all ages and backgrounds. But I sadly have to agree that it was out of control. Clearly there is demand for such an open and positive gathering, so hopefully someone else will figure out how to host family friendly dance parties in a venue that can handle the crowds (maybe more often than monthly so the crowds would be smaller).
If I could make a couple suggestions for the First Saturday planners, though: 1) the idea above of showing movies and other ticketed performances more than once would be great; 2) is it possible to improve the cellphone signal in the building so that meeting up with friends isn’t such a nightmare?
MikasThoughts:
October 4th, 2012 at 11:47 am
@wmj glad you caught that, even in all caps! and seriously, I actually go to learn and quinch my creative thirst. mmmmmm.
this is just a hiatus…. I am sure the dance party will return.
MikasThoughts:
October 4th, 2012 at 11:51 am
@Conan “is it possible to improve the cellphone signal in the building so that meeting up with friends isn’t such a nightmare?”
LOL! I agree. Isn’t that a nightmare?
John Kwok:
October 5th, 2012 at 8:17 am
Dear T -
My name is John, not James. Your commentary consistently ignores the fact that the Brooklyn Museum, with its world renowned Egyptology collection, and other important holdings in American and European paintings, African and Asian art, among others, is one of the world’s great museums and should be treated as such, especially by those visiting it in adjoining neighborhoods. It saddens me that the Brooklyn Museum was forced to give up its noteworthy costume collection to the Metropolitan Museum of Art simply because the Met had much better conservation facilities as well as funding. (I am glad that a deceased relative who had worked for years in the Brooklyn Museum’s conservation department did not live to see this.) Your comments also ignore my important observation that the museum and its great collections must be preserved in such a way so that young children in the 2060s – a century after I began visiting the Brooklyn Museum – will derive as much knowledge and pleasure from viewing the art on disply as I did in my youth. (As for the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), its admission policy, like the Brooklyn Museum’s, is pay-as-you-wish unless you wish to view special exhibitions on current view, the IMAX films and the Hayden Planetarium sky show. Moreover, I have seen many Brooklynites attend such popular events like the annual AMNH Kwanzaa Celebration.) I look forward to enjoying “First Saturday” events featuring readings from such notable Brooklyn-based authors as Paul Auster, Teju Cole, N. K. Jemisin, and Rick Moody, among others, live performances from Brooklyn-based musical ensembles and dancers, as well as insightful, truly enlightening, conversations amongst writers, musicians, other artists and intellectuals that I have seen for years at the Brooklyn Book Festival, World Science Festival, and most recently, Walls and Bridges Festival. I am sure that there are many others reading the comments here who would endorse these wishes I express and also agree with me that the Dance Party needs to remain as extinct as the Dodo.
John Kwok:
October 5th, 2012 at 10:29 am
Dear T -
My name is John, not James. Your commentary consistently ignores the fact that the Brooklyn Museum, with its world renowned Egyptology collection, and other important holdings in American and European paintings, African and Asian art, among others, is one of the world’s great museums and should be treated as such, especially by those visiting it from adjoining neighborhoods. It saddens me that the Brooklyn Museum was forced to give up its noteworthy costume collection to the Metropolitan Museum of Art simply because the Met had much better conservation facilities as well as funding. (I am glad that a deceased relative who had worked for years in the Brooklyn Museum’s conservation department did not live to see this.) Your comments also ignore my important observation that the museum and its great collections must be preserved in such a way so that young children in the 2060s – a century after I began visiting the Brooklyn Museum – will derive as much knowledge and pleasure from viewing the art on display as I did in my youth. (As for the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), its admission policy, like the Brooklyn Museum’s, is pay-as-you-wish unless you wish to view special exhibitions on current view, the IMAX films and the Hayden Planetarium sky show. Moreover, I have seen many Brooklynites attend such popular events like the annual AMNH Kwanzaa Celebration.) I look forward to enjoying “First Saturday” events featuring readings from such notable Brooklyn-based authors as Paul Auster, Teju Cole, N. K. Jemisin, and Rick Moody, among others, live performances from Brooklyn-based musical ensembles and dancers, as well as insightful, truly enlightening, conversations amongst writers, musicians, other artists and intellectuals that I have seen for years at the Brooklyn Book Festival, World Science Festival, and most recently, Walls and Bridges Festival. I am sure that there are many others reading the comments here who would endorse these wishes I express and also agree with me that the Dance Party needs to remain as extinct as the Dodo.
I sympathize with the museum’s security staff for being forced to deal with too many instances of unruly conduct associated with the Dance Party, culminating in the arrival of police at one Dance Party earlier this summer which led to the Brooklyn Museum’s decision to suspend it for now. I saw this coming years ago and for years I thought the Dance Party was inconsistent with the Brooklyn Museum’s educational mission, including community outreach to surrounding neighborhoods. There are other, more suitable venues in Prospect Heights and Crown Heights to hold events like the “Dance Party”; the Brooklyn Museum can not afford to be such a venue, unless it is willing to risk damage to its permanent collections currently on view; a risk that is unwarranted for the reasons I have been stating. It is selfish of you and of others posting here to decide that your need to have a “Dance Party” at the Brooklyn Museum is far more important than allowing visitors, including children, to view and to appreciate in relative safety and tranquility, the Brooklyn Museum’s temporary and permanent exhibitions. Again, I believe that the Brooklyn Museum must remain faithful to those unborn generations of future Brooklynites – whom, I hope, will derive as much understanding and pleasure as I did as a young child growing up in the 1960s – and do what it must to preserve and to protect its collections for the future. The Brooklyn Museum must cancel the “Dance Party” and ensure that its First Saturday programming remains consistent with its dual missions as an arts and art history educator and as the steward of major art and artifact collections; many of which are noted as among the world’s most important.
Elisabeth:
October 5th, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Thanks, everyone, for the feedback and your suggestions. We have been talking about many of them: like the pros and cons of ticketing the dance party, as several of you have suggested, and offering different spaces for dancing and hanging out, and (yes) acoustics! And we are always keeping in mind the safety of the art, and the experience of the visitor. We are very much still in conversation, so thank you for your support and ideas as we move ahead. Hope to see you all here tomorrow!
John Kwok:
October 5th, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Elizabeth,
No other major New York City museum of the Brooklyn Museum’s stature has had anything remotely resembling the Dance Party. It needs to be remembered as once useful concept that has outlived its usefulness. Looking forward to meeting you tomorrow night at First Saturday.
UdonNo:
October 5th, 2012 at 2:30 pm
@ John KoK : in the decade of dance parties at the museum– has there been any record of substantial DAMAGE to any art work? No museum authority has stated this as a reason for the dance termination. So your insistence that the works of art be protected is a moot issue here. And in its decade long existence how many people had legitimate complaints about their safety?? gimme a break. If this were a massive crowd of 20,000 ballroom dancers– you would be praising how nice it is to tango on a saturday night! But its not- why– cuz ballroom dancing doesnt generate the kind of consistent diversity and MONEY that the dj’s did.
the real reason is pressure from gentrified residents who own and rent million dollar properties literally across the street, who want to protect their investments. As we are well aware; money talks –and the community walks.
The museum started the dance party years ago cuz it was failing at bringing in a youthful crowd and losing MONEY– (There wasn’t enough John Koks to support it) so someone with common sense decided to bring in a dj– and voila! INSTANT diversity and MONEY. The same money that helps to continue preserving and acquiring wonderful works of ART– for your enjoyment on the other 29 days of the month.
If and when the dance party returns– it will be because Elizabeth and her board have realized that they are losing the diversity and more importantly the MONEY that the 1st Sat parties generated.
Delmar Browne:
October 5th, 2012 at 4:08 pm
Thanks to the staff at the Brooklyn Museum for booking me as their host for Target First Saturdays “70′s Disco Party” back in April 1, 2006. One of the most festive events to date and feedback given from those who attended were astounding. I’m sorry to see the Dance Party placed on hiatus but change will provide ideas with entertainment for all to enjoy. I’d love an opportunity to play for Target First Saturdays Dance Party as time marches on!
All The Best,
Delmar Browne
Brooklyn Museum Ends Popular 'First Saturdays Dance Party' - BlackandBrownNews.com (BBN):
October 5th, 2012 at 4:30 pm
[...] Reports: For years, the Brooklyn Museum’s free Target First Saturdays event ranked among the city’s premiere people-watching destinations, drawing an eclectic [...]
Vince:
October 5th, 2012 at 4:34 pm
While being mindful of the fact that the Brooklyn museum is, in fact, a museum and not a nightclub, I, nevertheless, see this is a great disappointment for the borough of Brooklyn. Because of the changing dynamic in the cultural makeup of Brooklyn (gentrification if you prefer), the museum provided a forum for the broad tapestry of Brooklyn to share what was left of a common ground. Many young adults from the east side of the park arrived at the Museum prepared to dance and left museum with an appreciation for contemporary modern art. It was one of the few established events where Brooklynites from both sides of the park could realize just how similar (or different) they were and laugh about it in good spirit to a shared groove. It was just a really smart concept (illustrated by its longevity) – a dance party . . . in a good museum. I remember the popularity of the Brooklyn Museum pre-first Saturdays – back when it was located in Crown Heights. There was a very interesting Hip-Hop exhibit that, sadly, NOBODY went to. I am also aware of the current popularity of “Prospect Heights’ ” Brooklyn Museum. It will probably continue to be a popular destination – but to whom?
This concludes my argument.
John Kwok:
October 5th, 2012 at 4:43 pm
UdonNo -
I have seen too many instances were “First Saturday” participants were touching art and artifacts. Over time the effect is cumulative and therefore damaging to the objects. One of the key reasons for this lax behavior was the “Dance Party”, which has attracted an audience that regards the museum more as a nightclub, not as the major, world-class fine art museum that it is. Other major museums in New York City do not have similar events, simply because they are well aware of the potential risk caused by security issues including potential damage of the art and other objects on display. The “Dance Party” was once a good idea but it has outlived its usefulness. Instead, I would like to see more programming that emphasizes the participation of many of Brooklyn’s most notable artists, musicians, dancers and writers, ranging from the likes of artist Fred Tomaselli (who had a major retrospective of his work on display at the Brooklyn Museum last year) to noted musicians like jazz pianist and bandleader Arturo O’Farrill (who has performed with his band at the Brooklyn Museum) and classical pianist Simone Dinnerstein and, last but not least, notable writers like Paul Auster, Teju Cole, N. K. Jemisin and Rick Moody.
John Kwok:
October 5th, 2012 at 4:53 pm
Vince -
The Brooklyn Museum is still, relatively speaking, “dead”, though major exhibitions have done a fine job as of late in drawing audiences from elsewhere around the city, as well as foreign tourists. Using the “Dance Party” and “First Saturday” as your means of justifying renewed public interest is not supported by typical museum attendance on those days when there isn’t a “First Saturday”. The Brooklyn Museum’s Education Department should review its programming to try to increase the number of visitors on a daily basis without finding the need to pander to the lowest common denominator, as evidenced by the types of crowds drawn to the “Dance Party”.
MPH:
October 5th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
I think it is indeed sad and unfortunate that the Brooklyn Museum has removed the dance party from the First Saturday Schedule. I did not frequent museums or any form of community art events prior to attending my first Target First Saturday event in 2003.
The purpose of the free weekend is to introduce people to the arts who would not ordinarily attend any other day of the month. Many generalizations have been made about what people do when they attend this weekend because they may complete their experience with a whirl on the “dance floor”.
Today, I am not only an consistent attendee and avid supporter, but I am also an activist in my paid and free time for the arts community. Not everyone will have the opportunity that I have to work as a volunteer and professionally on something that I have grown to love.
The beauty of the dance party is not only through the attention it drew from a new audience or the exposure it offered to different forms of art based on the monthly themes. The beauty resides in the opportunity that it gave attendees for even a couple hours to imagine themselves as artists and be allowed a place of full expression from the inspiration of a genre of music they never heard before or that they hear all the time but had a new opportunity to share with people they wouldn’t encounter on a regular basis.
The museum’s role is to not only promote an appreciation of the arts but also to inspire the artist in all of us. I am disappointed in the decision to end the party and hope that the museum resumes its position as an activist for the arts and for the community and stands up for its most successful event.
John Kwok:
October 5th, 2012 at 5:30 pm
MPH -
I wish I could share your enthusiasm, but I have been told by friends and acquaintances in musuem security that many museum visitors on days other than “First Saturday” are not those who attend “First Saturday”. (I may be among the relative few who visit the museum on days other than “First Saturday” as well as on “First Saturday; I have not attended “First Saturday” as frequently as I have in the past as of late due to the huge crowds and the often less than civil behavior I have seen from many of those in attendance.) Again I believe “First Saturday” can and should be a much better event than it has been in the recent past, and a major move in that direction would be terminating the “Dance Party” as a once useful idea that is no longer useful, but instead, counterproductive to the museum’s mission.
James Walker:
October 5th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
I looked forward to First Saturdays and the dance party every month. It was a chance to enjoy the museum, check out exhibits and have fun dancing at the parties. I understand some of the points Mr. Kwok is making, but if the “lowest common denominator” were touching exhibits, they could have been learning about them as well. Anytime I came to First Saturdays, I saw many people in all parts of the museum enjoying and learning about the exhibits.
John Kwok:
October 5th, 2012 at 5:47 pm
MPH -
The Brooklyn Museum has demonstrated its longstanding commitment to local Brooklyn artists and their art by having major exhibitions of works by artist Fred Tomaselli and Japanese artist Takashi Murakami (who has a studio in Williamsburg), and having musical performances by Arturo O’Farrill and one of his bands, the Wingdale Community Singers (the superb urban folk group founded by writer Rick Moody and one of his other friends), and other Brooklyn-based musicians. It is also committed to Brooklyn artists by sponsoring the forthcoming Go exhibition:
http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/go/
I think you’ll realize how deeply committed the Brooklyn Museum has been to Brooklyn artists and their art for years if you opted to look at its history. Terminating the “Dance Party” would not be a blemish on the museum’s already sterling record of support to Brooklyn artists.
John Kwok:
October 5th, 2012 at 6:18 pm
James Walker -
The objects touched by visitors tend to be fragile and unique. (The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Cloisters has on permanent display a graphic reminder of a sculpture that has been damaged by frequent touch by human hands, as a superb reason why museum visitors should not touch or handle any objects on display unless there is a sign saying explicitly that they can be handled.) Regrettably, I have seen far more “adult behavior” from adults and children attending popular events like the American Museum of Natural History’s annual Kwanzaa celebration than I have seen at many “First Saturday” events at the Brooklyn Museum. (Unfortunately the American Museum of Natural History is doing its best to emulate the Brooklyn Museum’s effort to attract a “lowest common denominator” crowd by having photo booths at many of its exhibitions, where visitors can have themselves photographed next to museum artifacts, and dumbing down the educational value of its permanent and special exhibits – which is why I have sarcastically referred to the museum as the “Disney Emporium of Natural History”, but to its credit it is also cultivating more mature audiences with its monthly SciCafe events hosted by many of the museum’s world-renowned research scientists in systematics, paleobiology, geology and astrophysics.) If eliminating the “Dance Party” means less of a lowest common denominator audience for a Brooklyn Museum “First Saturday” then that would represent a substantial major improvement IMHO.
Sharon Lawrence:
October 5th, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Your are ruining the very essence of Brooklyn. If restrictions need to be made, Make Them! I would understand if drinking or drugs or violence is an issue – But it’s not! Folks want to live here for authenticity of cultures. The dance party includes the entire family, its a part of the day activities for the entire family. Not to mention singles interacting. Any other borough would beg for such an natural attraction that has lasted so long-well over 10 years. This is one night a month to introduce many to the museum! The museum boast a amazing world-renowned Egyptology collectionThe Brooklyn Museum is noted for its. The crowd is a VERY PeaceFul, artistic, multi racial, youthful, trendsetting, poets, photographers, young families, and socialites. All win! When i lived in LA i would schedule business trips with First Friday in mind and would attend. Our community made this event -our new community/friends should understand where they’ve moved. We must can sacrifice that.The museum is very connected to the community – threw this event. As many are of mixed races and this is a multi cultural awareness for many. This event has assisted in creating Brooklyn as the artsy borough that it is. Instead of ending it – you should celebrate and documenting it! It has become “a brooklyn story”…. very disappointed.
John Kwok:
October 5th, 2012 at 10:54 pm
Sharon -
Eliminating the “Dance Party” would not ruin “the essence of Brooklyn”. That “essence” has been enhanced with literary readings from Brooklyn-based writers Rick Moody and Arthur Phillips, among others, and performances by Brooklyn-based musical groups like the Arturo O’Farrill Latin Jazz Orchestra and the Wingdale Community Singers (a great urban folk group founded by Rick Moody and another of his friends), as well as others. If nothing else, eliminating the “Dance Party” would allow the Brooklyn Museum to start programming other events that emphasize the “essence” of Brooklyn such as Penina Roth’s “Franklin Park Reading Series” whose readers have included the likes of Alison Espach, Lev Grossman, Ben Marcus and Rick Moody, as well as up-and-coming writers residing in the Crown Heights neighborhood, which have drawn scores of listeners to many of her monthly readings. In lieu of the Dance Party, we could have literary events like the Franklin Park Reading Series, performances by terrific dancers and dance companies working and living near the Brooklyn Museum, as well as performances by other musical acts emphasizing the cultural richness of Brooklyn. Change can be good, but in this case, change is necessary since police had to intervene earlier this summer to deal with disruptive behavior exhibited by some “Dance Party” patrons.
Sharon Lawrence:
October 6th, 2012 at 12:31 am
Will all do respect to the artist. This is bigger that the artist. Its a part of the DNA of Brooklyn. The artist you describe can only benefit by getting exposure out of the Dance Party. One police disruption shouldn’t end this event. The venue is large enough grounds. This is very unfortunate events. I’m not just speaking as a dance party fan. I get inspired every time i attend First Saturday. I’ve enjoyed many exhibits, preformances, poets, associated with First Saturday. I had so many people come out and are absolutely blown away by such a variety of beautiful people in such a beautiful venue. All kinds of families and kids dancing with no care- just having fun after a day of the arts. A monthly reunion of friends you know may attend and meeting new neighbors. It’s like a slap in the face to the community.
Is Target still the major sponsor?
Bkbobb:
October 6th, 2012 at 7:54 am
In reading the above thread, I must say I agree with the sentiments of MPH & Sharon L.
**let me clarify my earlier analogy to a “nightclub”. I was referring to how other venues that host dancing/socialing/public events manage to deal with crowd control. I by no means see nor expect the BK Museum to serve solely as a nightclub.
Mr Kwok raises some valid points, but his suggestions fail to acknowledge that First Saturdays mean and serve different things to different people. I must say, some of the comments against the dance party are borderline “elitist” at best. I still believe the dance parties can be revived with better measures for crowd control.
The First Saturdays event and dance party are such gems in both the cultural and social fabric of what is Brooklyn.
I trust that The BM staff will come up with creative ways to keep the event fruitful and inviting to all.
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 8:58 am
Sharon Lawrence -
I am going to disagree respectfully. For years I have heard from friends and acquaintances in the museum’s security department just how difficult it is to manage foot traffic and other aspects of crowd flow on “First Saturdays”, especially with regards to the “Dance Party”. I knew eventually that there might be a disruption sufficiently dire that would result in police intervention, and sadly, my worst fears were borne out earlier this summer. Again, no other major New York City museum – with the possible exception of PS1 with its “Warm-Up Saturdays” – has anything remotely resembling the “Dance Party” and with good reason, especially with regards to potential and actual security issues which the Brooklyn Museum has had to deal with for years; the recent police disruption is merely the tip of the iceberg IMHO. I have attended for fourteen consecutive years the American Museum of Natural History’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration and not once have I seen anything remotely resembling the often unruly behavior I have seen exhibited by adults and children at “First Saturday” events, especially at the “Dance Party”. Much to my dismay there are some families in attendance at “First Saturdays” who would condone behavior exhibited by their children that they would find unacceptable in their private residences. (In stark contrast, the AMNH Kwanzaa Celebration audiences have shown consistently excellent behavior from families and their children.) The “Dance Party” was once a useful idea for strengthening the Brooklyn Museum’s ties to the surrounding neighborhoods; it no longer serves such a function and therefore, it should be terminated immediately, replaced by cultural events of the kind I have been suggesting here.
Sincerely yours,
John Kwok
ola:
October 6th, 2012 at 9:03 am
i’m surprised that there isn’t more conversation about the role of the dance parties in bringing otherwise disengaged people into the museum community. as an avid fan of the bk museum, i love the idea thathundreds of people who would otherwise not step foot into such an institution feel drawn, for whatever reason, to enter its doors, if only once a month. those of you who were fortunate enough to grow up with the arts as part of your world, may not realize the transformative impact simple exposure to the inside of a museum can have on a person. of seeing people like you and different from you excited and energized by the place, for a myriad of reasons. the dance party is surely not at the heart of the museum’s raison d’etre, but what an incredible opportunity to democratize an experience that many people i know view as an activity of the elite. kudos to the museum for seeing the value in drawing everyday new yorkers into a cultural and artistic hub, for so long. and while many may not become members, or even visit the museum the rest of the month, please know that the impact of being inside its four walls with such a beautifully diverse set of people, can be a lasting one for many. i understand the museum’s decision, but also hate to see the party go. art is for everyone, and i considered the bk 1st saturdays dance party a bold and genuine herald cry of that belief.
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 9:19 am
BKbobb -
Due to the “Dance Party”, the Brooklyn Museum has become all but in name, a “night club” on “First Saturdays”. Others have cited here how much they appreciate viewing art on “First Saturdays”, but I do wonder how many of them opt to visit the Brooklyn Museum on days other than “First Saturdays” since the only time that the museum attracts many visitors is on “First Saturdays”, and, maybe on Thursday evenings too, but even then attendance is often much lower than it is on “First Saturdays”. I personally view the “Dance Party” as a relatively easy “solution” by the Brooklyn Museum’s Education Department in attracting larger audiences, especially when I haven’t seen a lot of Brooklyn-based artists, musicians, dancers and writers participating in “First Saturday” events. There should be more activities emphasizing Brooklyn’s artistic and cultural richness on “First Saturdays”. There have been relatively few instances where I have heard at the Brooklyn Museum, distinguished writers like Brooklyn-based Rick Moody and Arthur Phillips read from their work or critically acclaimed musical ensembles like Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra playing music. Nor can I recall any “First Saturday” event which included a recital by distinguished Brooklyn-based classical musicians like pianist Simone Dinnerstein. (There is also a burgeoning Brooklyn contemporary/classical music scene, which has not been covered yet by “First Saturday”.) I think the time is long overdue for the Brooklyn Museum’s Education Department to dig more deeply into Brooklyn’s exceptional artistic and cultural resources and emphasizing their future “First Saturday” programming on these, not on the “Dance Party” itself, which should be discarded immediately for the reasons I have been stating.
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 9:29 am
Ola -
I have seen consistently for years the ethnic diversity of New York City’s population at the American Museum of Natural History at its public events like the annual Kwanzaa Celebration and Black History Month events, without anything remotely resembling the security issues which the Brooklyn Museum’s Security Department has confronted for years at “First Saturdays”.
As a native New Yorker, I understand the “transformative impact simple exposure to the inside of a museum” and felt it early on in my youth when I began visiting as a child, the Brooklyn Museum and the American Museum of Natural History. In neither case did I need a “Dance Party” to have such a “transformative impact”. Nor, I suspect, would many current museum visitors, regardless of age, gender and ethnicity (or nationality in the case of foreign residents of New York City or tourists who are visiting).
ola:
October 6th, 2012 at 9:49 am
you’re really working that kwanzaa celebration, john. we get it, but that’s a different constituency, and not all that relevant to this conversation. i also notice you keep referencing the security issues in very vague terms, sort of implying there have been a myriad of issues. i’ve been a regular attendee to first saturdays and have never experienced even a hint of feeling unsafe, but i suppose it’s a matter of your comfort level with the so-called ‘lowest common denominator’. your tone throughout these posts reeks of the type of elitism that keeps regular people from feeling welcome at places like this.
as for your personal history of not needing a dance party to experience the ‘transformative impact’ i referenced, that’s kind of my point. you didn’t need it, but many, many other people do. the museum along its corporate sponsor recognized this when they established first saturdays. try to think beyond your experience. i understand wanting to preserve the experience of longtime supporters, but there’s an outreach role as well, that i applaud the museum for creatively addressing via first saturdays, the dance party, and whatever future efforts they have up their sleeves.
WMJ:
October 6th, 2012 at 10:28 am
I see that @Ola reached into his bag of “code words” to put shade on the real reason he dislikes the dance party segment of 1st Saturdays. I like the way @John Kwok used some pretty words of his own to bring balance to the conversation. My feeling is the ENTIRE program attached to 1st Saturday is educational and inclusive. If the dance party segment is a part of that package that needs tweaking…then by all means…take a little time to make adjustmentS but PLEASE dont discard it all together; that would be a shame.
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 10:38 am
Ola -
No Ola, it is not a different constituency. Especially when one of the dance ensembles performing at the AMNH Kwanzaa Celebration for years has been the Bedford-Stuyvesant based Restoration Dance Company, which is clearly one of the cultural and artistic treasures of Central Brooklyn and one which, to the best of my knowledge, has never performed at the Brooklyn Museum. I regard as ridiculous, your claim that people do need as a “transformative impact” a “Dance Party”, especially when during the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, I have seen huge crowds of families of all ethnicities visiting the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art; these crowds are often larger than “First Saturday” Brooklyn Museum crowds and not once have I seen anything remotely resembling the security issues I have either seen or heard from members of the Brooklyn Museum’s Security Department for years. (I am not faulting anyone in that department for security lapses, since they are as professional as their colleagues at the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As to whose fault it may be, I won’t comment further.) As for “future efforts they have up their sleeves”, I will applaud the Brooklyn Museum Education Department when it opts to invite consistently as “First Saturday” participants, the likes of such notable Brooklyn-based authors as Paul Auster, Teju Cole, Rick Moody, Arthur Phillips and Colson Whitehead, distinguished Brooklyn-based musicians like Simone Dinnerstein and Arturo O’Farrill, and musical ensembles like the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and the S. E. M. Ensemble (one of New York City’s premier contemporary music ensembles) and Brooklyn-based dancers and choreographers like Austrian-born Melanie Maar and Jody Sperling, among others. I have the utmost respect and admiration for many of those I have cited – some of whom I know personally – and would like them to become frequent participants at “First Saturday” events, replacing outdated programming like the “Dance Party”, which should be discarded for reasons of security which have been plaguing the Brooklyn Museum’s Security Department for years.
WMJ:
October 6th, 2012 at 10:43 am
My beloved Nana used to say “all closed eyes aint sleeping and all skinned teeth aint smiling”. As regards the former…I saw the dismantling of the dance party coming a long time ago…and as regards the latter…the comments observed in this discussion support my Nana’s notion that smiling faces and pretty words often hide ugly thoughts and deeds.
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 10:45 am
@ WMJ -
What code words? Yours is an observation replete in breathtaking inanity. Read what I have just said regarding the Bedford-Stuyvesant-based Restoration Dance Company to Ola or citing several writers I greatly admire like Brooklyn-based Teju Cole and N. K. Jemisin.
WMJ:
October 6th, 2012 at 10:56 am
@John Kwok…I will be the first to admit that my thoughts are not always organized and communicate poorly sometimes, but I take pride in my observations skills and I don’t think my observations “are replete in breathtaking inanity”. I made note of the artists you introduced into the discussion…and you are right…Brooklyn Museum should include them in their programming, but in the interest of balance, my Nana is right too.
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 11:11 am
@WMJ -
Your “Nana” isn’t right. Once more you have stated what you believe is profound, but regrettably, is yet another observation that is most pregnant in its breathtaking inanity. Only someone as clueless as you would dare to insinuate that my commentary veers closely to racism, simply because you don’t have any objective, truly profound, commentary that would refute what I have said. I find that most repugnant, WMJ. I knew exactly what you meant when you referred to “code words”. Your comments are worthy of contempt IMHO.
WMJ:
October 6th, 2012 at 11:32 am
@John Kwok: Didn’t I just concede that my communication skills might be off? Maybe if I kept it simple I would have better success:
1. I think the real reason the dance party for the cancellation has racial overtones.
2. While I don’t agree with you that the dance party should be cancelled, I completely agree that the programming should include the many Brooklyn based artists that you mentioned.
3. My observation skills are finely honed (IMO) and therefore, “Methinks you doth protest too much”.
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 11:42 am
@ WMJ -
Once more you have posted a comment that is exceedingly pregnant in its breathtaking inanity. To suggest that the cancellation of the “Dance Party” has “racial overtunes” is a remark I expect from a scoundrel, not from someone who wishes to state something objective that I might find disagreeable, and yet, an observation that I would regard as worthy of respect. In light of your recent commentary, you are not worthy of respect.
WMJ:
October 6th, 2012 at 11:45 am
….@John Kwok….and there you have it.
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 11:47 am
WMJ -
I presume by your last statement that you accept my assessment of you as a “scoundrel”. Case closed.
Steph:
October 6th, 2012 at 11:51 am
Rather than go back and forth with anyone on this blog about what I said here, or in any article, please feel free to visit my personal blog where I expound on my thoughts about the end of the dance party. Note that if you really pay attention, I did admit I understood why the museum made the decision but it’s still sad because it’s what I enjoy most:
http://www.blackgirlpain.com/2012/10/no-dance-party-im-not-going-then. html
JennyB:
October 6th, 2012 at 11:58 am
I’m extremely disappointed by this decision. I only recently started attending the First Saturdays and found that the main appeal of it was the diverse crowd it attracted — it seemed to me that the museum was truly living up to its mission as a public institution by providing its community with programming that was appealing to its constituency.
It was also beautiful to see the museum come to life and for the visitors to be able to interact with each other and enjoy the beauty of the space. The museum seemed like an organic part of the community rather than an isolating, alienating, exclusive space.
Further, it felt good to see that a museum could be a “cool” and “hip” place for young people to hang out – to me this spoke to the beauty of brooklyn and the kind of cultural life that is possible here.
I’m deeply saddened by this decision, and I hope the museum will reconsider. It makes absolutely no sense to cancel something precisely because it has become popular and attracts people to the area. (BTW I live around the corner from the museum and definitely feel the impact of the foot traffic but I feel like it is a worthy price to pay to live in this area and felt proud of having a “neighborhood museum” that came alive every month)
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
Steph -
Thanks for sharing the link to your blog. Many of the reasons you cite are reasons why I have not been coming to “First Saturday” as often as I have in the past. I think your observations are reasonable, even if I strongly disagree with some of them. However, I also hope that if the Brooklyn Museum’s Education Department considers seriously suggestions for improvement as constructive as mine, that maybe you might reconsider your decision. There is indeed in Brooklyn a great diversity of artistic as well as cultural richness and I, for one, hope that the Brooklyn Museum will pay more attention to that as it goes forth with its future “First Saturdays” programming.
Sincerely yours,
John
John Stone:
October 6th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
This is ridiculous, they close down the free dance party for safety reasons, but nobody complains about all the new bars opening up in the area. Why are people not concerned about those drunken patrons but they are concerned about people going to a museum? To me this has a real race and class implication that makes me disappointed in the museum’s leadership.
WMJ:
October 6th, 2012 at 12:03 pm
@BKbobb: I agree that the comments are at best borderline elistist. I also agree that the dance party should return with better measures for crowd control. It’s my opinion that crowd control was the main concern especially for the newer residents of the Eastern Parkway area. I would also like to suggest to BK that they hire(as much as possible) DJ’s that reflect the particular theme for each 1st Saturday as they did when it first started. @J. Kwok…in our exchange you have said that my comments are worthy of comtempt(even though in some cases I agreed with your suggestions), that they are inane and lack substance, that I am not worthy of respect and that I am a scoundrel. Accept your assessment of me? You’ve got to be kidding.
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
@ WMJ -
I find contemptible any suggestion of racial bias, period. I realize that you did agree with my observations, but then you had the gall to assert what your “Nana” said.
@ John Stone -
Thanks for the reminder. I have to visit “The Way Station”, with its steampunk and “Doctor Who”-inspired decor. I hear that it has some great live music at nights, and did try, for a time, to host a Brooklyn-based science fiction and fantasy reading series whose readers included two friends of mine, the great American science fiction and fantasy writer Michael Swanwick, and Brooklyn-based fantasy writer N. K. Jemisin. However, I think your observation is ridiculous, since none of these new bars, including “The Way Station”, have had to deal with crowds as large as those at Brooklyn Museum “First Saturdays”.
WMJ:
October 6th, 2012 at 12:13 pm
@ Jenny B I could not (and clearly have not) said it better myself. Thank you for articulating my thoughts so beautifully. BTW, I’ve lived across the street from the museum for over 30 years and the heavy foot traffic once a month is a small price to pay especially when I compare it to the ghost-town like atmosphere the building held before the new programming.
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 12:25 pm
@JennyB -
I understand and appreciate your sentiment, even if I must disagree respectfully. I know others who have been turned off by “First Saturday” because of the huge crowds drawn to the “Dance Party”, and, moreover, I think you would see much of the same diversity if you attended the American Museum of Natural History events I have mentioned. However, I also think you’d see the same diversity even if the “Dance Party” is cancelled permanently, and perhaps, a diversity more representative not only of Brooklyn, but of all of New York City too.
Bkgirl:
October 6th, 2012 at 12:59 pm
WMJ People think by being verbose they can run circles around the truth. When in reality it’s pretty transparent. Your NaNa spoke volumes with that simple statement. Sadly, she is correct and some of these responses prove it.
Bkgirl:
October 6th, 2012 at 1:03 pm
I am sad to see the dance party go and hope that it returns in a new format. I will be in attendance tonight. Thank you Target for your long standing support of this event.
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 1:24 pm
@ Bkgirl -
It is not a question of being verbose, but rather, instead, making what I think are suitably constructive criticisms. You may disagree with them, but you have no right to insinuate that my observations are tinged somehow with racial bias.
I look forward to attending tonight’s “First Saturday” too.
jeannine pugliese:
October 6th, 2012 at 1:44 pm
very very sad about dance party
Bkgirl:
October 6th, 2012 at 6:28 pm
@Jkwok I didn’t mention nor attribute anything about racial bias, to your remarks in particular. I simply agreed with another poster. So I’m not sure why you are taking it heart. I’m entitled to feel how I do and to express my opinion just as you have repeatedly.
sara:
October 6th, 2012 at 6:50 pm
It was never a problem all these years, everyone knows the reason for the change…..next it will the Children’s Museum Rooftop events…
WMJ:
October 6th, 2012 at 7:41 pm
@ Vince (comment made on Oct. 5): I went back to read earlier comments and I’m so glad I did. Your point aboutthe Bklyn Museum of Crown Heights vs the Bklyn Museum of Prospect Heights is excellent. @ John Kwok has been trying to convine me all day that my opinions about the sceduling change were wrong. He called me names and questioned my intelligence. He held my opinion about racial overtones in “contempt”…and yet I read this from him in response to your comments:…the Bklyn Museum Education Dept. should review its programming to try to increase the number of visitors on a daily basis without pandering to the lower common denominator as evidenced by the types of crowds drawn to the dance party”. Got code words @John Kwok? Anywaysssss….let me go get dressed; Im anxious to see the full Mickalene Thomas exhibit and for the moment, 1st Saturday are still free.
ola:
October 6th, 2012 at 8:02 pm
if john kwok says ‘kwanzaa celebration’ one more time, i’m going to shoot myself in the head. let me guess, some of your best friends observe kwanzaa.
wmj, i’m a black female (noticed you said ‘his’), and i think you misunderstood my post. i LOVE the dance party and am really sad to see it go.
and on that note… off to tonight’s first saturday i go.
Sharon Lawrence:
October 6th, 2012 at 9:07 pm
The issues I’m hearing are more than solvable. You sound intent on not listening to the community. Perhaps someone else should manage the event. All of a sudden we don’t know how to have crowd control. ??
It doesn’t increase membership. Make membership a priority! You have to be a member to attend. All the years I’m going I’ve never been offered membership/signed a email list for membership!!!
Again is Target still a main sponsor for a 20,000 attendance museum event and if so are you still getting that same amount for a few hundred??? How will those funds give back to the community that one day won’t?
Rebecca:
October 6th, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Very sad to see the dance party go. I live in the neighborhood, and it was a place I could dance (and look at great art) without taking a subway to Manhattan or paying a cover charge. Please figure out a way to bring it back!
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 10:58 pm
I just came back from First Saturday. Wow! What a concept! People were actually looking at art, and they weren’t just some Billburg hipsters, but many who looked like they were residents of Crown Heights too. Everyone behaved well, acted decently and had a good time. I thought the fashion show – which I couldn’t see, but could hear – was a smart move on the museum’s part. So do we really need to have another Dance Party? Considering that I was impressed with the excellent attendance – and ran into a young alumnus of my college whom I haven’t seen in years and was taking her teenage daughter to their very first First Saturday – I’d say that this was a successful “First Saturday” and one that didn’t need to have a “Dance Party” to demonstrate just how popular it would be with those in attendance.
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 11:12 pm
@ WMJ -
I stand by what I said with regards to “lowest common denominator”. I think it is condescending to think residents of Prospect Heights and Crown Heights could not appreciate hearing a riveting performance of J. S. Bach’s “Goldberg Variations” from Brooklyn native – and still resident – pianist Simone Dinnerstein. (I highly recommend her recording of the “Goldberg Variations”.) I think it is also condescending to think that Prospect Heights and Crown Heights residents attending Brooklyn Museum “First Saturdays” could not appreciate electrifying readings of the published literature by notable Brooklyn-based writers like Teju Cole, Lev Grossman, N. K. Jemisin, Rick Moody and others. As for the term “lowest common denominator”, I know the American Museum of Natural History, as of late, has been stressing that in the diminished educational quality of their special and permanent exhibitions, so the Brooklyn Museum isn’t the only New York City museum that has catered to the “lowest common denominator”. (Thankfully, in stark contrast, the Metropolitan Museum of Art seems intent on keeping its high standards.)
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Ola -
If you want to play that game, some of my friends are exceptional writers and musicians who, incidentally, are of Afro-American heritage. However, I don’t stress their ethnicity, but instead, their talent and their personal character. IMHO they are exceptional American writers and musicians who compare favorably with their peers whose ancestors hailed primarily from Europe and East Asia.
John Kwok:
October 6th, 2012 at 11:24 pm
@ Sharon -
There were easily more than a thousand people in attendance, including scores of people who visited the 5th floor “American Identities exhibit” which tends to be almost entirely devoid of people on many “First Saturdays”. These were people of different ages, genders and ethnicities, representing in microcosm, New York City’s diversity. I was stunned that there were many people really interested in taking a look at art on a “First Saturday”, not just the special exhibitions on display.
WMJ:
October 7th, 2012 at 8:44 am
@Ola…sorry for the mix-ups regarding gender and your comments; I actually corrected my mistake right away…I meant to say the reverse (John Kwok vs Ola)…and speaking of John Kwok…I tried my best to reason with him but Im afraid Im gonna need to put in the box that contains all those who “when they can’t dazzle you with brillance, they baffle you with bullshit”.
I have been going to the BM since the early 70′s and I was very happy to see them reach out to the entire neighborhod; so sad that they cancelled the dance party…but I will still go…in fact, I made it my business to go last night.
John Kwok:
October 7th, 2012 at 9:16 am
@ WMJ -
Last night’s “First Saturday” was an excellent illustration as to how it can work in the future without the need for having consistently, a “Dance Party”. (I am willing to consider having one rarely if such an event is consistent with an ongoing special exhibition (or, for example near New Year’s Day, where such an event should feature a small orchestra playing waltzes and polkas composed by the Strauss family), has live musicians, and is ticketed to limit the number of those attending.) I enjoyed viewing the Mickalene Thomas exhibition, especially since it introduced me to a major Brooklyn-based American artist whom I never heard of before.
I’ve been visiting the Brooklyn Museum since the mid to late 1960s when I was a child, WMJ. What, may I ask, is wrong for me to suggest that the Brooklyn Museum should invite as participants, the likes of Brooklyn-based writers Teju Cole, Lev Grossman, N. K. Jemisin reading from their work, or having distinguished musicians like Brooklyn native – and still resident – Simon Dinnerstein performing? Or to have dancers and choreographers as noteworthy as Brooklyn-based, Austrian-born Melanie Maar performing? If you think these suggestions are examples of “when they can’t dazzle you with brillance, they baffle you with bullshit”, then you are sadly mistaken and, I believe, potentially out of touch with reality.
Bkgirl:
October 7th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
I had a great time last night. I visited my usual fav exhibit of Egyptian art and enjoyed Mickalene Thomas’ exhibiton tremendously. The video installation about her mother was moving. Also checked out the decorative arts on the 4th fl. Overheard many conversations about where people expressed disappointed about the dance party. As a member I will continue to enjoy the First Saturdays and other events inspite of losing the dance party. But I really hope that they revisit and revise bringing it back using some of the feedback in this thread.
UdonNo:
October 7th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
@John Kok–
the museum was crowded yesterday because most of the attendees came looking for the dance party ! it will take a few months for the word to get out about the cancellation to really see what the loss in revenue will be…cuz that is the bottom line. MONEY. When the museum realizes the tremendous loss in revenue and EXPOSURE they gained from the dance party they will have to re-evaluate their decisions. As fot all those other events you mentioned, fashion shows, ballets, performances of any type– none of these have as much draw as a well known dj–AND the efficiency and economics of hiring 1 DJ– as opposed to the many personell, resources, and time required to put on other events like shows and plays. You just cant beat that equation… that is why most venues would hire a dj rather than a band.–simple MATH. So yes all the other events are nice, but they are much more costly than hiring a single dj that can generate enormous revenue, traffic, and exposure. Like I said before there aint enough of you John kwoks to support the museum.
Noona:
October 7th, 2012 at 6:48 pm
Mr Kwok stop kwaking
LegallyUnlegal:
October 7th, 2012 at 7:16 pm
You all didn’t see this coming? Lighten the neighborhood a bit and suddenly you are no longer welcomed in your own backyard. Gotta love how Mr. Kwok is ever present to defend his Shakespearean prose on community relations. Sire, dress it up however you may, it still smells like crap!
Sharon Lawrence:
October 7th, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Of course it still drew a crowd!! You didn’t cancel it publicly!! Try putting an announcement on your facebook page. Then again you don’t have it open of comments. I’m sure many were anticipating a dance party. I still haven’t scene a official announcement in my neighborhood where i usually find First Saturday ads. Did you sign any of those folks up for membership??? Glad we have fashion shows to look forward to- unbelievable!! I’m glad you finally made it out to take a look for yourself! Of course many were enjoying the arts. Its a part of First Saturday – just as the dance party is. If you don’t want the job please give it to someone who does.
Funny how you still haven’t answered the sponsorship question about Target thou…When the museum pockets need filling you’ll know how to use the community again.
LegallyUnlegal:
October 7th, 2012 at 7:21 pm
P.S. Mr. Kwok, if you are so interested in what the Met is offering, why not go there instead? I suppose since most of their offerings cater to the European and Asian crowds, this is how they have retained their high standards! In case you didn’t realize, Brooklyn is NOT Manhattan. We are working class, middle class people, who don’t have the luxury of trying to keep up with the Brooks Brother’s wearing set.
T:
October 7th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
Dear John,
You’ve long since crossed the line from being of service, to doing a disservice, to BMA and its corporate sponsor–fraying sensitive nerves with your overly repetitive opinions. (I would’ve only commented once, but for your insistence on officiating disapprovals with seemingly one-note rebuttals, as if your perspective mattered any more than others–who, like you, are not in charge.)
I dare say almost everyone agrees with you on preserving BMA’s (insured) art from damage, maintaining everyone’s free access to it, and offering performance space to all the artists you mentioned. But, your ad nauseum comments are not in the spirit of Brooklyn or the publicly stated mission of its corporate sponsor (not to mention how they belie your misunderstanding of the marginalized community of Brooklyn, or the discrimination the populace, and its Arts, experience in NYC.
Google Target & Museum and look at the very first line, then click on it and read the very first line (I’ll copy and paste it, below) — http://corporate.target.com/corporate-responsibility/community-events
” [Target] Community events:
We believe in community events that everyone can enjoy. Whether it’s hosting a day of reading for parents and kids, or partnering with arts organizations to help budding artists create their next masterpiece, we can achieve great things when we work (and play) together.”
Regarding how little you know about NYC nightlife, clubs, and bars–private spaces that may well cultivate “the lowest common denominator” from discriminatory door policies–versus the public space of BMA, in which countless people come to celebrate “the common denominator”–perhaps you can answer these 3 questions, since you’re unlikely to cease pushing so many buttons, unilaterally:
1) Tell us where ALL ages, classes, and colors can go each month, for free, to dance to diverse genres of live music–even the Straussian waltzes and polka you refer to–but in Brooklyn (NOT in increasingly exclusive, distant, or expensive venues in the Upper West Side of Manhattan).
2) Why object to corporate-sponsored dance events in the parking lot–which makes the 3rd floor’s acoustics a non-issue, except at its black-tie gala events. (I’ve never once had a problem with the crowds or limited space, over many years, because I appreciate that the 2.5 million residents in NYC’s largest borough are underserved in THEIR Arts, and the relatively barren Beaux-Arts court is an otherwise perfect gesture of community inclusion.)
3) How much money has Target “invested” in BMA, and how much would it give if the museum were to exclude the “demographic” that actually shops there (the well off need not shop at Target).
John Kwok:
October 7th, 2012 at 9:04 pm
Udon’tNo -
The Brooklyn Museum was crowded today too, without any need for a “Dance Party”. People were out to enjoy viewing the art. I am sure the Brooklyn Museum will be fine for future “First Saturdays” if it emphasizes some of the best artistic and cultural treasures like Brooklyn-based, Austrian-born choreographer and dancer Melanie Maar, Bedford-Stuyvesant’s terrific Restoration Dance Company (which has performed annually at the American Museum of Natural History Kwanzaa Celebration for years), exceptional Brooklyn-based musicians like legendary jazz pianist Arturo O’Farrill and his Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and Brooklyn native – and still resident – classical pianist Simone Dinnerstein, and offers literary readings by some of Brooklyn’s most critically acclaimed writers like Paul Auster, Teju Cole, Lev Grossman, N. K. Jemisin, Rick Moody, and Colson Whitehead, and former Brooklyn residents Pete Hamill (a Park Slope native) and Gary Shteyngart, among others.
An art museum’s purpose is to educate people on fine art and the history of art as reflected in the world-renowned collections of the Brooklyn Museum, not to become monthly, the oversized, over-hyped nightclub on the corner of Washington Avenue and Eastern Parkway. The Brooklyn Museum’s educational programming should reflect its primary mission as one of the world’s great art museums, as well as in serving the community by emphasizing Brooklyn’s artistic and cultural diversity; it would do this by inviting talented artists, musicians, dancers and writers as “First Saturday” participants, not by catering to those who insist that their needs be served by having the museum transformed monthly into the oversized, over-hyped night club on the corner of Washington Avenue and Eastern Parkway.
John Kwok:
October 7th, 2012 at 9:12 pm
LegallyUnlegal -
I probably do spend more time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art than I do at the Brooklyn Museum, but the Brooklyn Museum remains a sentimental favorite for reasons I have stated, starting with the fact that I have been visiting it since I was a young child growing up in the mid to late 1960s. (Although my favorite New York City museum is the American Museum of Natural History, I have greatly cut back my visiting time there – opting to spend it instead at the Met and the Brooklyn Museum – simply because the American Museum of Natural History is interestd in being the “Disney Emporium of Natural History”.) Speaking of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I was there briefly yesterday afternoon to view a new temporary exhibit and I spoke to some of the museum security staff; all of them thought it was crazy for the Brooklyn Museum to hold a monthly “Dance Party” where alcoholic beverages are served. They weren’t suprised to hear that the police had to intervene back in June. (Though I didn’t realize until I heard from Brooklyn Museum security staff last night that the June “First Saturday” was terminated at 8 PM by the NYPD who ordered the museum shut down for public safety reasons as well as, I presume, ongoing disturbances associated with the “Dance Party”.
John Kwok:
October 7th, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@ T -
If everyone agrees with this observation of yours, how come they haven’t acknowledged it:
“I dare say almost everyone agrees with you on preserving BMA’s (insured) art from damage, maintaining everyone’s free access to it, and offering performance space to all the artists you mentioned.”
You love to quote Target’s regulations at me, but you forgot to mention this:
http://www.moma.org/visit/plan/#hours
“Target Free Friday Nights sponsored by…”
I don’t recall Target telling the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) that MoMA must have a “Dance Party” during Target Free Friday Nights or dictate to MoMA, telling it that it must have Target Free Friday Nights programming that caters to the “lower common denominator”; instead, its offerings tend to be more highbrow and more eclectic than many of those offered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. So why do you think Target should dictate to the Brooklyn Museum what it can – or can’t do – with regards to suspending permanently the “First Saturdays” “Dance Party”? Your reasoning doesn’t make any logical sense, period.
John Kwok:
October 7th, 2012 at 9:42 pm
@LegallyUnlegal -
Apparently your Afro-American brothers and sisters didn’t get your message about the Metropolitan Museum of Art. During my brief visit there yesterday afternoon, I couldn’t help but notice that nearly two to three out of every ten people I saw viewing art was Afro-American. Moreover, I tend to see many Afro-American visitors at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, including one old man who spends his days sketching museum sculpture and a talented young jazz saxophonist and clarinetist who alternates between playing Jewish klezmer music and jazz, which he plays at the foot of the large staircase leading into the main entrance overlooking 5th Avenue and E. 82nd Street. Your observation about your Afro-American brothers and sisters visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art is both condescending and demeaning. You should be ashamed of yourself for writing such self-serving nonsense as your comment which is replete in breathtaking inanity.
John Kwok:
October 7th, 2012 at 9:52 pm
@ T -
What qualifies you to render this verdict on my commentary:
“But, your ad nauseum comments are not in the spirit of Brooklyn or the publicly stated mission of its corporate sponsor (not to mention how they belie your misunderstanding of the marginalized community of Brooklyn, or the discrimination the populace, and its Arts, experience in NYC.”
It wouldn’t surprise me if you told me that biological evolution is a lie – it isn’t since it is an extremely well-established scientific fact – or that modern evolutionary theory is an “Atheist plot to indoctrinate people into believing that GOD doesn’t exist”. I say this because your reasoning sounds just like the delusional creationists I have seen posting online condemning people for “believing” in evolution.
T:
October 7th, 2012 at 10:24 pm
Dear John,
Let’s put your 2nd reply aside as nonsensical, ad hominen, or outright childish–except to say that I asked first! (Or, didn’t you notice?)
Why would anyone oppose the points with which I agreed with you–for example, wanting to limit free access to Art–which is what you’re more or less attempting, get it…? Could it be that your ad nauseum commenting has become so divisive that it’s made this forum toxic, and that you’re pedantic diatribe about “the common denominator” has likely become a public nuissance to BMA and its corporate sponsor?
MOMA’s irrelevant, and Target’s publicly stated goals aren’t regulations, as you mischaracterized them, and removing the most-attended portion of First Saturday’s is a counter-productive means of achieving those goals. So, let’s restate them:
“[Target] Community events:
We believe in community events that everyone can enjoy. Whether it’s hosting a day of reading for parents and kids, or partnering with arts organizations to help budding artists create their next masterpiece, we can achieve great things when we work (and play) together.”
http://corporate.target.com/corporate-responsibility/community-events
You aren’t footing the bills, but Target, other donors, and taxpayers (as a group) are. So, why not ask taxpayers footing the bill with a vote–on the next First Saturday. (This method at gaining public input is obviously biased by those incapable of saying their peace, once, and gentler souls have probably fled; for that matter, I won’t reply, again.)
John Kwok:
October 7th, 2012 at 10:31 pm
@ T -
If MoMA is irrelevant, then why is Target sponsoring its “Target Free Friday Nights”? No, your reasoning is so flawed, that any credible person – even one who isn’t a fan of “Mr. Spock” from “Star Trek” – would recognize how illogical it is or even dare to suggest that you are out of your Vulcan mind.
Why do you think the Metropolitan Museum of Art security officers I spoke to yesterday before I attended the Brooklyn Museum’s “First Saturday” all told me that serving alcoholic beverages and a “Dance Party” is a prescription for disaster? Why do you think they weren’t surprised to hear that the police were forced to shut down the June “First Saturday”?
John Kwok:
October 8th, 2012 at 8:38 am
Those who insist that the Metropolitan Museum of Art isn’t receptive to visitors from their ethnic backgrounds should start visiting it. Much to its credit, the Metropolitan Museum of Art has expanded greatly its family programming – including offering programs targeted specifically at Latino families – without forsaking its adherence to high standards of artistic, cultural and intellectual content. IMHO the Brooklyn Museum should try emulating its Manhattan peer.
Google:
October 8th, 2012 at 8:56 am
Google John Kwok: http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/John_Kwok
“John Kwok is an unhinged professional troll who frequents sites he does not like, and complains about their content non-stop. He follows prominent scientists and educators who have refuted creationist and intelligent design proponents’ arguments, mostly to post complaints about what they blog. He causes problems at most places where he has accounts, sometimes even threatening people if they dare try to keep him from posting.
If you pay John Kwok any attention, he becomes very clingy and demands more of your time. And the more time of yours he gets, the more vengeful he will become when you eventually block him. If you find this troll on your site, it’s best to remove him quickly before he becomes too creepy.”
No More Dancing at the Brooklyn Museum - ikonotv:
October 8th, 2012 at 12:53 pm
[...] museum’s hopping “Target First Saturday” celebrations are here to stay, but organizers are pulling the plug on dancing inside the art space, saying patrons must stop foxtrotting, electric sliding, and Dougie-ing due in part to record [...]
UdonNo:
October 8th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
as usual u didn’t address any of my points lol–which means you cant argue against the mathematics of having the dance party- bottom line: you need MONEY and EXPOSURE to run a museum. and hiring a dj is the cheapest and most cost-effective way to accomplish this. as proven for the past 10 (!) years. $$$
It will only be a matter of time before they realize they cant replicate that kinda EASY revenue…and the dj’s will be back.
simple math.
UdonNo:
October 8th, 2012 at 6:31 pm
as usual u didn’t address any of my points lol–which means you cant argue against the mathematics of having the dance party- bottom line: you need MONEY and EXPOSURE to run a museum. and hiring a dj is the cheapest and most cost-effective way to accomplish this. as proven for the past 10 (!) years. $$$
It will only be a matter of time before they realize they cant replicate that kinda EASY revenue…and the dj’s will be back.
simple math.
WMJ:
October 9th, 2012 at 11:50 am
Dear “Google”….Thank you so much for your comment about the infamous John Kwok; it explains everything.
Yoyo on Classon:
October 9th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
I am glad to see the dance parties go. Sorry, but I had to stop going to first Saturdays due to the overwhelming crowd of people and kids, most of which were totally uninterested in the art or programs, and basically stood around looking to make the scene. I went the very First Saturday years ago and loved it. When they started the dance parties I was excited but quickly saw things going downhill with the crowd. Its too cheap, they needed to charge people entry and/or membership in order to attend. Thats what the Botanical Garden does. When BBG has their cocktail parties its members only and its very lovely and relaxed with just the right amount of people. Making the dance parties free made the place too open to kids and persons not interested in art in the least.
UdonNo:
October 9th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
People still dont get it: The main purpose of the dance parties was to generate ancillary revenue and create exposure so that attendees would be interested in visiting and joining the museum on regulars days. The money they got from the LONG lines at the bar created more revenue than the botanical gardens ever got in their lil parties. You have 29 other days in the month to see the art and meet people interested in art . For 10 yrs the dance party helped the museum by taking money from those who aren’t interested in art– and using it to bring art to those like you who are lol. its simple math. but once they realize that the loss will be too much to absorb–the dj’s will be back. give it a year or two.
Yoko Ono being honored @ Brooklyn Museum (who recently stopped the dancing @ First Saturdays) « stream:
October 11th, 2012 at 2:19 pm
[...] everyone who has made this part of First Saturday such a success over the years and invite you to read more about these programming changes and discuss with us online.” So, there still will be free [...]
BrooklynIsOver:
October 12th, 2012 at 8:01 pm
I have a theory. I find it REALLY suspect, that the party was stopped the same weekend that Barclays Center was opened. I wouldn’t be surprised if Ratner, the developer of the stadium AND the owner of Atlantic Center in which Target is housed, pulled funding from Target sponsored First Saturdays. Also, this notion that the event garnered too much “foot traffic” is absurd. More money in the museum’s pocket. Noise complaints? Also absurd. The Museum is surrounded by the Botanic Garden and a school for the deaf. The residents that live across from it are on the other side of a FOUR lane parkway. Clearly a combination of gentrified notions of who a museum should be for (read: Not Black Brooklyn) and an attempt to redirect first saturday traffic to Barclays is at hand.
WMJ:
October 13th, 2012 at 10:18 am
@Brooklynisover: While I agree with you that the idea of a “not Black Brooklyn” is not so far-fetched, I do think that your theory about redirecting traffic to Barlcays on 1st Saturday is a little off. First Saturdays are free and any activity at Barclays is not; even if you go to Barlclays every other Saturday of the month, no one is going to pass up a chance to spend less money on the 1st Saturday.
The foot traffic explanation simply means to me that while the newbies on Eastern Parkway profess to be “tolerant” they really don’t want the “others” lingering around on a Saturday after midnight. I think the decision was made in anticipation of one of those Saturdays going sour (fights or other violence, for example). I don’t condone violence by anyone, but to punish all for a few and then not being honest about it is so typical. It saves them the trouble of using those univeristy educated brains to find a viable solution that is respectful to all concerned. I saw it coming months ago…Im not surprised but it amazes me that I still get angry about actions like these; instead of throwing a brick through the museum plate glass windows though, I plan to become a member. This way all those that want to pretend to be “tolerant”, will be forced to do it for real. I can continue to enjoy the benefits of the museum AND watching the tight smiles. My only regret is that I cannot bring people in my community who are unable to afford membership with me.
Logic:
October 16th, 2012 at 2:54 pm
I think you are forgetting the issues about safety. Free dance party + overcrowding = not safe. That is the main issue. I am glad that finally the BM thinks about the visitors’ safety than money.
WMJ:
October 16th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
@Logic….I appreciate that safety might have been an issue…but wouldnt it have been better on both counts (money and safety) to look for solutions; if a live wire in the museum becomes frayed….wouldn’t it somehow be fixed or will they simply just turn off all the electricity. I know that’s a “stretchy” analogy but surely you get my point. It’s never wise to throw out the baby with the bath water.
marguerite:
October 18th, 2012 at 5:40 pm
The bottom line is, the museum was hosting crowds of up to 30,000 people on many first Saturdays. The museum is not equiped to handle that capacity, period.
Wiki:
October 18th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
“Up to 30,000 people” is meaningless since that could mean 10,000 people, within 560,000 square feet, coming and going over the course of 6 hours. That square footage does not include the large parking lot, which has hosted some great dance events. And, if the 3rd Floor’s too tight, change the music.
RR:
October 27th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
When I first went to first Saturdays it was great a place to bring my then 9 year old and 12 year old it was cool fun and eclectic. As of late it just became a club pick up scene. I couldn’t even go to the ladies room without getting hit on. Nice if I’m out at a club without my kids not cool when there with me. There are tons of clubs in NYC. I don’t think that the idea of a museum having a two hour free dance party is one of them. Glad for those reasons to see it go. Two bad for us parents who enjoyed just hanging out with our kids on a Saturday night. By the way something in Paris was done for families, years ago.
Nan49:
October 29th, 2012 at 10:35 am
I agree with WMJ – as a born and bred Brooklynite I have enjoyed the growing community events and eclectic gatherings at the Brooklyn Museum. The museum has enjoyed phenominal exposure during the Target Free Saturday events and I’m sure membership has increased 10 fold during this time. I attend several of the 1st Saturday events every year and bring my children/boyfriend to enjoy the arts/music and convivial atmosphere of the brooklyn diasporia. I am saddened by the loss of the dance party but understand the safety issue of overcrowding. I hope the museum can put in place a solution that will bring the same level of involvement/vitality and ability to mix and mingle with an eclectic group of people from all walks of life.
Jaye:
October 29th, 2012 at 11:31 am
I tried to get on the dance floor during one of the events and I couldn’t even get past the line. I am glad that the Brooklyn Museum is revamping the program so they can accommodate all attendees of Target First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum!
Gabriella:
October 29th, 2012 at 7:43 pm
I have not been to the Dance parties in quite some time, but I remember them back when my godmother would invite me and we had such a fabulous time. Now that I have reconnected with Brooklyn and the museum I am sad to hear of the departure of the dance parties. I hope that they come back soon. I truly miss this wonderful social event! It brought such great exposure to the Museum!
Kitty kart:
October 30th, 2012 at 10:03 am
I totally agree. I began taking my son n daughter when we lived in Park Slope, he was 5 n she was 12, that was over 13 yrs ago. We are African descent and moved to Bed-study 6 yrs go. Long before Target First Saturdays did we attend. Quite contrary to popular belief, there are racial over and undertones whivh are vibrant throughout Brooklyn as a borough. Any person who denies this…..because we now have a mixed-race President is totally in denial. I have lived in Clinton Hill Park Slope n now The Stuy….I have to inform everyone my family has felt negative affects of regentrification. Target First Saturday’s elimination is one of those affects.
DuchyDog:
November 25th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Please bring the dance party back.
Max:
November 27th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
I’m very sad to see the dance party go. It was one of the best integrated spaces in a segregated city, and I suspect that’s why it’s been eliminated.
One of my favorite things about museum-going is the people watching, and the museum’s first Saturday parties had some of the finest people watching in New York.
If you are worried about capacity, why not just charge regular museum admission (donation) which could limit the numbers, raise more revenue, and not exclude anyone of lower means because they could simply donate less.
Please don’t feel threatened by beautiful young black people.
LV105:
November 27th, 2012 at 8:41 pm
I know I’m late to the party but I still wanted to express my disappointment with the suspension of the dance party. I’ve been going to First Saturdays for years and always enjoyed the music and the fact that the event brought such a diverse crowd people with all races, ethnicities, ages and classes. The museum’s reason that the dance party brought “too much” foot traffic is BS. Wouldn’t the museum WANT high attendance, particularly one night a month where the admission is free? Isn’t their goal to attempt to make the museum accessible to everyone? Granted, a number of the people who attended the dance party weren’t at the museum for the art, but music is art too, just with sound. Not everything about art or music has to be highbrow in order to be enjoyed. I read some of the previous comments and I agree that the suspension of the dance party has racist overtones and that the overall goal may be for the museum to attract less black and brown people to a free event, which saddens me as a born and bred Brooklynite. I happen to be going this Saturday for the first time since the decision was made. I go to museums from time to time anyway so I’m sure I’ll have a good time but I seriously hope the museum reconsiders its decision, because over time I suspect that the attendance at First Saturdays will decrease to a point that they don’t like.
diddymau:
November 29th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
It used to be a blast until the last year or so. It got to be mostly people too cheap or too young to go to an actual nightclub. But they sure acted like they were in one–a stupid one! Dumb girls sizing me up, to see if I was competition for MEN? But I never saw many of these creatures in the galleries. This is an ART MUSEUM. NOT A FREE DISCO! What revenues are going to go missing when most of the people at the dance party never bought anything and drove other people out? Sad it’s gone ONLY because it USED TO BE fun. The families USED TO come. I think it will be lots better without the rude boys and girls.
diddymau:
November 29th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
@“not Black Brooklyn”. That is not going to happen! The African American community in BK is too strong and has too much going for it. There are so many opportunities for expression here, it is unbelievable that some feel taking away any “dumbing-down” activities is somehow going to eradicate AA Culture.
Amazed:
November 30th, 2012 at 2:50 pm
I am incredibly disappointed to see the suspension of the dance party. I’m afraid Brooklyn Museum has stepped into the fray with this one and has committed what can only been viewed as a very polarizing decision. Thousands have come to enjoy the dance party and the Museum has benefited financially from its success. The voice of a few [well capitalized and well connected] has managed to destroy what had become a delight to so many. It was a unique experience that often times resulted in my running into old college friends, old law schools friends and current colleagues in the field. I think the dance party did help people to connect, network and have tremendous fun in a very light-hearted, open and welcoming environment. Unfortunately the museum’s decision to cancel the party only sends out the opposite message–”You are not welcome here.”
MG:
November 30th, 2012 at 4:08 pm
OMG I had a great time at the museum on the 1st Saturdays of the month. The dance party was great, live music, etc I really miss it. i dont think am going back if they dont have the dance parties back. It was so good to spend a nice Sat at the museum looking at the great art and enjoy the entertemaint. The ppl that complain they are just so negative, I brought my kids to the dance parties what are you talking about? The Brooklyn Museum was the place to be.
Nigia Stephens:
December 1st, 2012 at 12:08 pm
What a shame. Those dance parties allowed for a mix of people to enjoy that space in a modern fashion, pulling in people that never would set foot in there. As an artist, it felt communal. One of those Brazilian nights was outstanding. Now, it will feel fake like being part of a culture/science experiment. While all of Brooklyn re-defines its self, we are all invited to take part in and explore the museum like any other out of touch art space. Hooray.
brooklynite:
December 15th, 2012 at 8:02 am
And its snobs like you who try to exclude people fom things that are supppse to bring everyone together
Brooklyn4life:
December 18th, 2012 at 6:19 pm
I am sad to see the dance parties go, sadly a lot of people will no longer attend the museum because of this decision, I met some of my best friends at the 1st Saturdays and my current boyfriend. The parties brought a lot of different people together. I love seeing the different crowds from black to white, to old and young. The parties let people express themselves while they looked at the arts and listened to the music. I really strongly suggest you bring the dance parties back but change something things but not all.
lifeschameleon:
December 25th, 2012 at 2:29 am
I’m commenting from somewhere far away from your beautiful museum, which I am looking forward to attending this year once again for a First Saturday event. I attended the First Saturday event in 2007 back when the Annie Liebowitz show was up. It was a transformational experience that had nothing to do with the dance. In fact the dance was a detractor as it seemed intriguing but odd when there was so much more happening in the building. (and fyi: I ran my twenties as a “party promoter” shipping in dj’s and dance freaks from around the US who currently build some of the biggest stages at Burning Man or are now world renowned dj’s) Though it was great to see people enjoying the movement of life together it holds no comparison to the art on site that particular day and the experience that I had viewing it with a dear friend of mine. I remember vaguely that there were people dancing, I remember vividly that the art that night, and the fact that it was a free event with soo many interesting people(who were not people I saw later at the dance) was fascinating and heart warming.
Art brings people together. ART should be the focus. Museums are not built to be dance halls. It is kind that such an opportunity exists, you should be pleased you were able to enjoy something like this for as long as you have. Now let art do what it has to do, as any artist will tell you. In order to survive ART has to evolve. If your only interest in art is your interest in dance then you weren’t interested in art to begin with(and you would be better off at a dance hall or party). If your interest in dance was based on your interest in the art then watch as evolution takes place. Nobody would have ever bought Warhol if they were still pissed that Renoir had died!
Sad and Disappointed:
January 3rd, 2013 at 11:28 pm
I’ve read through these comments and can see both sides of the spectrum but this feels like a Brooklyn cultural staple was prematurely aborted. Seems adjustments could have been made and solutions tried out to resolve the capacity issue such as an Eventbrite that would have set a capacity limit for the event and required RSVPs. That would have been an easy fix that would have allowed the tradition to continue and still have met the museum’s needs. Please do not take this staple away.
Lorena:
January 4th, 2013 at 10:56 am
The dance party was truly the most unique and innovative part of Target First Saturdays – how cool is it to dance in a museum, and an amazing one at that! – as great as book readings are, they just don’t have the same mass appeal. Please, don’t drop them entirely – maybe keep them outside during the summer months, or include a small fee for them to hire extra security? Sincerely, a dance lover from Crown Heights.
jj:
January 4th, 2013 at 3:16 pm
It became Far too crowded,but ironically it has also always been a terrible sound system. I think dance parties are best outside in back so bring them back for May-October-nice compromise and in the meantime explore some of the other offerings.
Karen:
January 5th, 2013 at 2:46 am
I, for one, am very disappointed that the dance party portion of First Saturdays was scrapped. I actually joined as a First Saturdays member for $20 (a category aimed at younger donors/social media users which was unfortunately also scrapped recently) primarily because I was drawn to the dance party. I work for a major cultural institution in NYC, and can certainly appreciate that the main purpose of a museum is to preserve an artistic and cultural heritage. But, for a museum to survive these days you must attempt to draw in those who may not necessarily “normally” go to your institution. Sadly it’s often the case of trying to appeal to a younger, more fickle audience while not alienating your existing membership/visitor base. And I get it. The dance parties did sometimes get loud and a little raucous. But what a wonderful diversity of people it attracted. It seemed like overall it was not badly-run and I never felt unsafe there (though I kept a close eye on my bag at all times).
I know I probably wouldn’t bother to come from Queens to Eastern Pkwy (it’s a trek!)on a Saturday without either the draw of a big-name band, exclusive access to certain art exhibits, or dancing (though yes I love to dance, so that may be more my preference). If anything I liked that the Brooklyn Museum offered a somewhat “classy” and much more wallet-friendly alternative to bars, clubs and even now over-hyped events at P.S. 1, the Guggenheim, AMNH, etc. Not everyone who came to dance was a raver, or a drunk, or any other “unsavory” character. Yes, Target First Saturdays is supposed to be a “family-friendly”, community event. But quite honestly, there were plenty of activities for kids/their families to enjoy during the day. What I liked before about First Saturdays is that the dance parties from 8-10 were–I thought–a time for adults who enjoyed dancing and music to participate in the day. Why there were young kids running around at these things, that’s their parents’ choice. It’s presumptuous to dismiss dance as separate from the “cultural” aspect of a museum, especially one that’s supposed to be a little more “cutting-edge” like the Brooklyn Museum… dancing and music is as much an artform as the art hanging on the walls. Like it or not, expression through dance and music is as much a part of cultural heritage as anything else. And those that enjoyed the dance parties were not necessarily any less cultured (whatever that means) than anyone else stepping into the museum.
So while I somewhat understand the decision overall, I believe a lot of especially younger potential visitors will be less likely to visit on First Saturdays. I feel like First Saturdays used to be high on the NYC cultural to-do list… I know I used to put it up there with Warm-Up at P.S. 1. This matters really only in the way of press interest, revenue, attracting potential sponsors and other things that are valuable to an arts institution. Now I feel like there’s very little that sets it apart from any other family/community day at a museum. And that’s a shame. I do hope for the return of the dance parties one day, perhaps as a ticketed event (I would be willing to pay $10-$15 if needed, though in the spirit of welcoming those who can’t necessarily afford that maybe another sponsor should be found so it can be free) or as its own stand-alone event that is very clearly marketed as open to people x years of age and up.
p.s. Seriously, it was ONE night a month. Just one!
NEW YORK CITY: First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum | I Don't Do Clubs:
January 31st, 2013 at 9:27 am
[...] everyone who has made this part of First Saturday such a success over the years and invite you to read more about these programming changes and discuss with us [...]
Headoc:
February 2nd, 2013 at 6:47 pm
I’ve been going to First Saturdays for years and the dance party was my favorite part. I don’t like the idea someone put on to make people pay because my favorite thing about it is that it was a party for everyone — just like Brooklyn. I don’t understand why they couldn’t just limit guests. It seems like the obvious answer. Bars and clubs do this all the time. You reach a capacity limit and then it’s a one-in-one-out situation. First-come-first-serve. I frequent the museum and I’m even a member, but without the dance party I’m not going to First Saturdays anymore.