Park Slope’s Brooklyn Arts Exchange is seeking submissions for a crowd-sourced book of recipes to be published at the performing arts space’s 30-year anniversary next month.
“In this time of COVID, we’re spending so much time cooking for our families, so it seemed like a nice way to bring in the multiple voices and communities,” said the Exchange’s executive director Kara Gilmour.
The head of the Fifth Avenue venue near Eighth Street encouraged locals to get creative by sending in recipes for beloved meals or other non-food instructions — such as how to have a good talk or a guide to a dance routine, according to Gilmour.
In addition to text-based submissions, aspiring grub maestros can also send in video or audio files, which will be published on BAX’s website, along with those written recipes that didn’t make it into print.
The initiative was inspired by written collections like “The Artists’ and Writers’ Cookbook,” and video montages like of the theater recipes published by the Westtown Quaker school in Pennsylvania.
Gilmour, who joined the organization in July, said BAX is eager to hear people’s stories behind the recipes and their connection to the arts haven since its founding by her predecessor Marya Warshaw in 1991.
“That’s the magic, particularly in these times when we’ve been spending so much time in our kitchens and our living rooms dancing,” said Gilmour. “The magic of an anniversary is time to reflect on all the years that got you here, but also the future.”
The organization has already received some recipes and art submissions, including a diptych print showing the view from BAX’s roof.
Like many institutions, BAX had to pivot its classes and shows to digital programming due to the coronavirus, while still offering its spaces for rent, albeit with more careful pandemic protocols like smaller groups for bookings.
BAX will release the community recipe book at their virtual blowout for the organization’s big 3-0 on March 30, accompanied by online performances.
Contributors will get a complimentary copy and all sale proceeds will go toward sustaining the organization’s programming.
To find out more about submitting your recipe by Feb. 22, visit www.bit.ly/baxrecipecall.
