Bronx Community Cable Programming - Creatives Rebuild New York

A lively scene at a television studio features two cheerful puppets with human-like features entertaining a young boy wearing glasses and a teal shirt. The boy stands between the puppets, one with pink hair and the other bald and beige-skinned, both puppets dressed in dark jackets. Their lively expressions suggest a playful interaction, making the boy laugh heartily. A man beside them, dressed in a shirt, also shares in the amusement, adding to the festive atmosphere. The backdrop shows a colorful and dynamic design with the branding 'BRONXNET' prominently displayed, signifying the location as a community media setting.

CRNY artist Kervin Peralta with the Eco Leaders puppet show

Photo courtesy of Kervin Peralta

CRNY Artist Will Roberts led AR/VR classes for youth

Photo courtesy of Will Roberts

A lively studio setting featuring three individuals engaged in a conversation. On the left, a DJ stands behind a turntable deck, showcasing a mixing console and equipment wrapped in a brown fabric. He is dressed in a casual sports outfit, wearing a cap. In the center, a man sits comfortably wearing a black sweater and a cap, accessorized with sunglasses and a chain. His demeanor is relaxed as he participates in the discussion. On the right, a woman dressed in a purple graphic tee and tie-dye pants sits on a stool, looking engaged and smiling. Behind them, a screen displays the text 'Knockin' it Out' with vibrant graphics, and next to the DJ, another monitor shows a black-and-white photograph labeled 'Mixer DXT'. The setting is illuminated with colorful studio lights, creating an energetic atmosphere.

Kwik2Rok show produced by CRNY artist Ana 'Rokafella' Garcia

Photo courtesy of Ana 'Rokafella' Garcia

The Collaboration

CRNY enabled BronxNet to continue its commitment to amplifying the voices of the Bronx while elevating the talent of artists Kobina de Graft Johnson, Jon Frier, Ana ‘Rokafella’ Garcia, Alba Enid Garcia, Trish Gianakis, Marthalicia Matarrita, Kervin Peralta, Paola Poucel, Will Roberts, and Jasmine White. From time-traveling environmentally conscious puppets from Kervin, Paola, and Alba in “ECOLeaders” to original stories from first generation Ghanaian Americans in “#STRESSED,” produced by Kobina and Jasmine, BronxNet raised the visibility of its young audiences. Public service announcements featuring stop motion animation led by Jon, with the character Petie-the-Pigeon, are now featured on the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit website, advancing digital equity. Hip-hop is alive at BronxNet with “Kwik2Rok,” engaging hip-hop legends, dancers and artists, led by Rokafella. Marthalicia’s “Random Acts of Art” showcased pop-up artists in action, taking art to the streets in the Bronx and creating art as a community. And lastly, immersive media and game development advanced at the BronxNet Media + Technology studios in the South Bronx. Many of these shows featured 3D world-building by Trish, and the launch of an original competitive sports video game “VALLA” led by Will. All shows can be streamed on the BronxNet website.

The Organization

BronxNet’s mission aims to provide programming and opportunities to inspire, educate, inform, engage, and promote community voices for the Bronx and beyond. For over three decades, BronxNet has provided successful educational programming and broadcast services to the Bronx Community. From our award-winning shows, to our youth media programs and artist services to the community, BronxNet has broadcast thousands of hours of quality programming developed and produced by Bronxites.

The Bronx is evermore becoming a symbol of creative urban renewal in part because of ten CRNY artists, who across disciplines created and launched original programs and projects while also providing media arts engagement for youth and the Bronx Community. Michael Max Knobbe, Executive Director, BronxNet

Working with a team and resources proved to me that through collaboration, so much can be accomplished versus approaching creation on your own. Kobina de Graft Johnson

Using “Valla” to serve the youth in the South Bronx has deepened my commitment to creating immersive experiences that empower and uplift the community, fostering a sense of connection and growth. Will Roberts

The highlight for me was having the power, trust, and resources to develop and produce transformational art. It's created a self-belief in me that won't be easily extinguished. Jasmine White