The search for the borough’s most unique artists is on, as BRIC TV is launching a new season of Brooklyn Made — a series highlighting the most creative would-be-Picassos in Kings County.
BRIC, a digital network based in Downtown Brooklyn that focuses on arts from around the borough, will release new episodes on their website every Thursday from March 23 until April 20, with each episode looking into the life of a Brooklyn-based creator.
Kecia Elan Cole, creator of the show and executive producer for BRIC, works hands-on with the vetting of subjects, filming, production and post-production of the show — and, along with her team, strives to create “visually dynamic” pieces that give the viewers an immersive experience into the subjects’ work and life.
“The series is all about makers centered in Brooklyn, arguably one of the most creative locales on the planet. Although booking subjects is a process, we definitely have a plethora of creatives to choose in the borough,” she told Brooklyn Paper. “Brooklyn is really the epicenter of culture and maker culture specifically. We really seek to tell those stories of the makers in a highly cinematic way.”
This season features five talents — Kendra Foster, a Grammy-winning singer and songwriter; Eli Fola, a Nigerian born artists and Yoruba Tech Soul musician; Diana Mora, the owner Crown Heights’ watering hole Friends & Lovers; Sherwin Banfield, a sculptor of hip hop icons; and Ian Cinco, a surrealistic multi-disciplinary artist.
Brooklyn Made originally began in April 2015 as a way to spotlight diverse and creative voices in the borough. According to its creator, that remains the goal of the production.
“Brooklyn Made is all about putting on emergent artisans and telling those underrepresented and under-told narratives of artists on the rise including a diverse array of BIPOC makers. We’re all about inclusion and diversity,” Cole said. “We needed to tell those narratives in a compelling manner and do those artists justice.” 
One episode this season spotlights Diana Mora, owner of Crown Heights club and music venue, Friends & Lovers.Photo courtesy of BRIC.
BRIC will host a public preview screening on March 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Attendees will get an exclusive look at a few of the episodes, followed by a Q and A Cole, Kayode Kaykay Olowu, the series director and editor and some of the featured makers.
According to Kuye Youngblood, general manager for BRIC TV, the program has spotlighted many talents over the years and BRIC is excited to share more of their work with the community.
“As a program of BRIC, BRIC TV’s mission-inspired focus includes advancing opportunities for artists. With the Brooklyn Made series, we are highlighting their craft and unique stories through the medium of film. These artist profiles travel with them as they grow in their careers. Over the years, this series has featured many artists – and we define artists broadly,” said Youngblood. “From sculptors, to cooks, to candlemakers, to composers, dancers, and musicians – it’s about that maker culture and the freedom of creativity. We are looking forward to coming together around the screening at BRIC House on March 21st to launch this exciting new season.”
