DBP + BRIC unveil multimedia installation honoring female hip-hop pioneers in Downtown Brooklyn’s Albee Square

Designed by Fashion Icon April Walker, “THE FUTURE BEEN FEMALE” Depicts the Stories and Contributions of Women in Hip-Hop

Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and BRIC today unveiled THE FUTURE BEEN FEMALE, a multimedia installation that pays homage to female pioneers in Hip-Hop. Funded by a NYC Department of Small Business Services Commercial District Lighting Grant awarded to Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, THE FUTURE BEEN FEMALE will activate Albee Square at the heart of Fulton Mall with interactive programming and transform into an illuminated attraction on four evenings this summer. The artwork features projected imagery and links to audio-visual content that shares the victories, challenges and cultural impact of women in the Hip-Hop genre.

“SBS is proud to support the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership as they honor the important contributions, resiliency, and strength of women in hip-hop through THE FUTURE BEEN FEMALE multimedia installation,” said NYC Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “Through projects like this, our Commercial District Lighting Grants help our communities shine and showcase the unique diversity of New York City.”

“This installation not only pays much-deserved homage to the women of hip-hop, but it also illuminates the streetscape, providing light to the shoppers, business-owners, residents and workers who make Downtown Brooklyn such a bustling community.” said Regina Myer, President of Downtown Brooklyn Partnership. “THE FUTURE BEEN FEMALE also serves as a reminder that Downtown Brooklyn is a place where artistry, history and innovation come to life, and we are grateful that the NYC Department of Small Business Services has helped us bring this project to the neighborhood.”

“THE FUTURE BEEN FEMALE is a celebration of the strength and resilience of women in hip-hop,” said artist April Walker. “It’s an honor to work on a project that shines a spotlight on the incredible contributions of women who have shaped this culture.”

The official unveiling will take place on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at 7:30PM in Downtown Brooklyn’s Albee Square, located at the intersection of Fulton Street and Bond Street. THE FUTURE BEEN FEMALE will be on display for four weeks from June 18 to July 9, 2024 from 7:30 to 11:30PM. In addition to the projections, BRIC is programming four evenings to engage the community:

ABOUT BRIC

BRIC is a leading arts and media institution anchored in Downtown Brooklyn whose work spans contemporary visual and performing arts, media, and civic action. For over forty years, BRIC has shaped Brooklyn’s cultural and media landscape by presenting and incubating artists, creators, students, and media makers. As a creative catalyst for their community, BRIC ignites learning in people of all ages and centralizes diverse voices that take risks and drive culture forward. BRIC builds Brooklyn’s creative future.

ABOUT Downtown Brooklyn Partnership

The Downtown Brooklyn Partnership is a not-for-profit local development corporation that serves as the primary champion for Downtown Brooklyn as a world-class business, cultural, educational, residential, and retail destination. Managing three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) that cover Downtown Brooklyn – the MetroTech BID, Fulton Mall Improvement Association, and Court-Livingston-Schermerhorn BID – the Partnership’s diverse activities include attracting new businesses and improving the environment for existing companies, facilitating the construction of public spaces and streetscapes that promote an active and cohesive community, supporting and promoting Downtown Brooklyn’s cultural assets, and encouraging a sense of place and an engaged civic community.