Since its beginnings in 1988, when it embraced Brooklyn’s culture of innovation to bring brewing back to the borough, Brooklyn Brewery has exemplified the spirit of ingenuity and creativity. With that spirit in mind, Brooklyn Brewery is launching a very cool initiative designed to support and celebrate creativity across multiple fields.
This new “Calling All Makers” grant program will award five winners based in the U.S. across five categories – Food & Drink Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Arts, Music, and Activism with a $10,000 grant to help bring their creative vision to life.
In addition to the grant, winners will receive a trip to New York City to visit the brewery in Williamsburg, a one-on-one coaching session with their category’s judge, the opportunity to be featured on Brooklyn Brewery’s platforms in 2025, a party to celebrate them, and more.
“Brooklyn Brewery is proud to be a part of the long tradition of entrepreneurship and enterprise of Brooklyn and New York City,” said Brooklyn Brewery’s Co-founder, Steve Hindy. “This contest celebrates that tradition and awards the creativity that has made the United States a beacon for makers all over the world.”
Calling All Makers details
The submission period runs from October 22 through December 31, 2024, and is open to individuals and projects at various stages of development. Head here to apply and for more details about the “Calling All Makers” program. The “Calling All Makers” categories and judges include:
Food & Drink Innovation
Judge: Garrett Oliver, Brewmaster, Brooklyn Brewery. The James Beard Award-winning brewmaster has shaped the craft beer world for decades. Known for pushing boundaries, he has written acclaimed books, earned numerous awards, and championed American craft beer on a global scale. His recent innovations have received international praise including pioneering the use of zero-input ancient African super-grain Fonio in beer.
Category seeks … Garrett will be looking for applicants who are also helping pioneer the future of food and drink. This category seeks individuals developing new, sustainable, and delicious concepts in food and drink that have the potential to shape the menus of the future. From ancient super-grains to alternative proteins and inventive flavors, applicants should have a clear story of their work so far and a vision for their future impact.
Entrepreneurship
Judge: Steve Hindy, Co-founder, Brooklyn Brewery. Steve has been a driving force in turning a small home brewing operation into an internationally recognized brand. Starting Brooklyn Brewery with his partner, Tom Potter, Steve helped transform the company from humble brewhouse sketches into a global name in craft beer. A champion of entrepreneurs and dreamers, Steve has supported countless innovators throughout his career.
Category seeking … He will be seeking entrepreneurs creating new products, exciting services, and boundary-busting concepts that have the potential to improve lives. This category is for those who are developing ideas that make people’s lives easier, more satisfying, or more fun, and are ready to take their venture to the next level. Steve will focus on early to mid-stage companies and creators who are beginning to scale their operations and seeking their next step for growth.
Arts
Judge: Lauren Martin, Illustrator. Lauren is known for her playful and vibrant designs, has captivated audiences around the globe. Drawing inspiration from the humor found in nature and everyday life, Lauren’s work has been showcased in campaigns with major brands such as Uniqlo, Nike, Apple, and Only NY, along with Brooklyn Brewery. Her bright, whimsical creations have earned her a dedicated following and widespread acclaim.
Category seeking … Lauren will be looking for artists of all styles who are bringing color to the world and energy to people’s lives. This category celebrates creativity that moves audiences, from large-scale works to intimate pieces. Applicants should be creating brilliant work with a unique perspective and be ready to take their art to bigger, bolder places.
Music
Judge: Saidah Blount, Executive Director, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn. Saidah has two decades of experience in the music industry, and she has cultivated an impressive portfolio, producing sonic projects and platforms for major global brands like NPR Music and Cornerstone/The FADER and created award-winning shows for Sonos Radio.
Category seeking … Known for her keen ear and passion for innovation, she will be seeking musicians and bands that are pushing the boundaries of their genre or creating something entirely new. This category welcomes old-school styles, genre-bending compositions, and groundbreaking sounds. Applicants should be making music that turns heads and makes people move, and be ready to share their creations with the world.
Activism
Judge: Stacy Lentz, Co-founder, The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative. Stacy has dedicated her life to advancing equality and improving the lives of the LGBTQ+ community. Through her work, Stacy has supported grassroots LGBTQ+ activists globally and played a key role in iconic events such as NYC Pride Week and outreach efforts in underserved areas across the U.S.
Category seeking … With her deep commitment to activism, Stacy will be looking for grassroots organizers and community activists working to create a freer, more equitable society. This category is for individuals confronting new challenges or addressing systemic injustices to make a positive impact in their communities. Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to their cause and be ready to develop their strategies and broaden their reach.
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