• June 30, 2011

The Barclays Center of Brooklyn has inked a promotional deal with the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), wherein BAM will recommend several artistic event options for the Barclays Center and will facilitate communication between the arena and the artistic companies. The idea, it seems, is that BAM will keep doing what it does, bringing in theatre, dance, performance art, and film, while the Barclay Center, which seats up to 18,000 will bring in spectacles that, by definition, have to have a mass appeal.

So why does developer Bruce Ratner need BAM for his arenas, two blocks form BAM and future home to the Nets NBA team?

"I have had a long association with BAM and recognize its extraordinary knowledge of the global arts scene," the CEO of Forest City Ratner said in a release. "We are tapping into its resources to identify spectacular and interesting events that are appropriate for a larger venue than BAM's main theaters. Our alliance furthers our goal to offer the community with a dynamic cultural experience in the heart of Brooklyn."

Karen Brooks Hopkins, president of BAM, said between BAM and Barclay there are venues between 250 to 18,000 seats, within a two-block radius here in Fort Greene. "We are very pleased to contribute to the Barclays Center's offerings by identifying spectacular large scale, artistically-driven events that have never been seen in New York City.  Through these events, BAM will have the opportunity to work on a giant canvas, and the Barclays Center will distinguish itself as a venue for unique programming well beyond the traditional arena fare."