Open Source is a participant-driven art initiative in Brooklyn, NY that provides space, community and conceptual context for creative play and critical commentary. Open Source is a Brooklyn based non-profit that serves as a nexus for contemporary art and local neighborhood cultures, with a history of supporting emerging artists who, through the development of new works, challenge how, when and whe
re contemporary art intersects and integrates with the everyday lives of everyday people. Open Source supports a cross-disciplinary and participatory approach to art and art-making as a way to promote artistic dialogue and critical commentary. Impacted by the open source movement—which promotes freely shared, educational software and information—Open Source Gallery applies a similar philosophy to create an approachable space, dedicated to the dissemination and accessibility of contemporary, visual art. Since opening our doors, we have served hundreds of artists, both local and international, through our exhibits, events, and programs. Our gallery creates an alternative space that eschews the traditional, and often intimidating, notion of the “white cube,” creating an environment that is inclusive and welcoming for an intergenerational and multicultural audience. Our programs include:
Exhibitions: monthly conceptually-driven exhibits in a wide array of media from both local and international artists
Church of Monika: a monthly, non-denominational lecture series designed to promote active critical thinking and discussion about art, community involvement and cultural understanding. December Soup Kitchen: a yearly program that invites the community to cook, eat and converse. How to Build a Fire: a monthly storytelling series that explores the course of a narrative, not only as it is heard, but how it is experienced
Adult and Family Workshops: several times a year, workshops are offered at the gallery space in conjunction with exhibits. KOKO Open Source: our children’s program that offers workshops at the intersection of art, technology and sustainability