Brooklyn Eagle: Brooklyn Org and Groundswell Unveil Mural on Atlantic Avenue

Published in: Brooklyn Eagle

Brooklyn Org and Groundswell hosted a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for its 500-square-foot mural, “Show Brooklyn Some Love,” which adorns the facade of Atlantic Terminal Mall.

“It’s always a pleasure to work with Brooklyn.org and we are delighted to collaborate with Atlantic Center Mall on this project,” said Amy Sananman, founder of Groundswell. “This mural will reflect the unique joys of Brooklyn and the proud spirit of its residents, including Groundswell.”

During a community paint day on Thursday, Aug. 16, volunteers, artists and locals painted a design by teaching artist Carlos Mateu and five Groundswell students. A month later, on the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 16, the completed mural was unveiled.

The mural reflects the joy, harmony and pride that defines Brooklyn by capturing everyday life in the borough. Whether gathering on a stoop, gardening in shared green spaces, playing basketball or performing music, the mural depicts the many ways Brooklynites share and connect as a supportive, creative community.

“This mural is a tribute to the vibrant, interconnected fabric of Brooklyn. It’s a celebration of our daily interactions and the cultural richness that makes this borough unique,” said Mateu.

The mural on Atlantic Avenue is part of Brooklyn Org’s “Show Brooklyn Some Love” campaign. The campaign aims to raise awareness about nonprofit funding and community investment in Brooklyn, where despite making up 30% of the city’s population and 30% of the city’s nonprofits, the borough’s organizations only receive 7.6% of charitable funding.

Brooklyn Org addresses disparity by encouraging Brooklynites to champion local organizations, contribute to grassroots movements and drive social change. The mural was strategically constructed on the facade of Atlantic Terminal Mall, positioned in the midst of rapid gentrification.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Groundswell and our community to bring this mural to life,” said Jocelynne Rainey, president and CEO of Brooklyn Org. “It’s a testament to the incredible spirit of Brooklyn and a call to action for residents to support the grassroots organizations making a difference.”

Groundswell is a nonprofit organization that provides paid art opportunities to local students. Under the guidance of a teaching artist, the students learn about a hyperlocal community and design murals to reflect the history, culture and values in that neighborhood. After designing murals based on research, the teams host community paint days where residents can contribute to bringing the design to life. Groundswell has established over 600 murals across the city.

Brooklyn Org is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009, and it focuses on borough-specific philanthropic projects. It emphasizes racial justice through investment in community changemakers, whether local businesses, nonprofits, grassroots leaders and families. Through grants and intentional funding, Brooklyn Org has given over $120 million to Brooklyn nonprofits and invests over $5 million each year in high-impact projects.