The first festival for the borough of its kind, BX1: Bronx Artist Festival 2005 was a four-day celebration of Bronx artists scheduled from June 1—August 4, 2005, showcasing the talents of former and current recipients of our BRIO (Bronx Recognizes Its Own) Individual Artist Awards.

The inaugural launch of the festival commenced with rides on the Bronx Culture Trolley. The Trolley project began in 2001 to introduce the public to the artistic heritage of the Grand Concourse area as well as the current explosion of arts activity there. The Grand Concourse houses many of the borough’s most important cultural institutions, for the most part unknown to and unattended by the local population, and largely forgotten by New Yorkers generally. The Trolley circulates in rounds on First Wednesday evenings -- to artists’ studios in Mott Haven, the Bronx Museum of the Arts, Pregones Theatre, Hostos Center for Arts and Culture, BCA’s Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos, the Downtown Bronx Bar & Café, and local watering holes and restaurants.

During the following days of the festival, activities included screenings of short and feature films by former and current BRIO artists, drama and dance presentations, and a private art collectors’ tour and closing reception.