Bailey’s Café, a community-based arts safe space in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn launches ‘10K in 45 days’ fundraiser for As Quiet As It’s Kept, our multi-discipline installation performance.
OCTOBER 1 – NOVEMBER 15, 2020
As Quiet As It’s Kept evolved out of Bailey Cafe’s longtime relationship with Black Veterans for Social Justice and long time residents in the Bedford Stuyvesant community. Stefanie Siegel, founder and executive director of Bailey’s Café was influenced by Herbert Sweat, a decorated Vietnam Veteran and Bed Stuy neighbor. “When Sweat says the phrase As Quiet As It’s Kept you know something is going to be revealed that people don’t talk about.”
Siegel partnered with conceptual artist Monica L. Williams to create a long-term, multidisciplinary, community-based art experience through performance installations. Over a five year period, Williams conducted community conversations with neighbors and curated a team of six collaborating artists. “My hope is that As Quiet As It’s Kept is a model for durational community-based art collaboration between artists, neighborhood business and community members working with collective agency towards community wellness by addressing topics otherwise kept quiet”, says Williams.
AQAIK includes original dance, digital art, music, theater, sonic, photography installations created in collaboration with Williams by artists who either live or work in the Bedford Stuyvesant neighborhood. “Robyn Twomey, a commercial print photographer and self-proclaimed gentrifier, wanted to create in and about her community,” says Williams. “Our installation, We Are Here, is a story of home and belonging and like all of the installations, it considers how our ideas shape a rapidly changing neighborhood.”
We Are Here is a feature of Photoville Fence touring 11 cities including Brooklyn. All other installations will be streamed via Bailey’s Cafe’s website and various social media platforms once a month from October through January. Click here for more information about each installation.