Little Tokyo Service Center +LAB Artist Residency Program

Little Tokyo Service Center seeks 4 California-based artists for a three-month community-based residency from May 1 through July 31, 2018. Selected artists from multiple disciplines will collaborate with local arts organizations to create artworks and projects promoting community engagement and creative place-making strategies around the theme of "Community Control and Self Determination." This might include addressing issues of affordable housing and homelessness; building bridges across cultural, generational, and/or linguistic divides; devising artistic strategies to connect Little Tokyo with other communities of color; enhancing the safety and security of local residents; fostering community-wide conversations about neighborhood development; promoting a healthy and sustainable small business economy; or reclaiming city-owned land historically part of Little Tokyo.

Little Tokyo Service Center seeks artists whose creative practice reflects a desire to work collaboratively or within a community context; reflects an awareness of culture, socio-economic and political paradigms; has a demonstrated interest in subject matter addressing the history of Japanese American communities or other communities of color; and is willing to be engaged with the residency program through their art making disciplines including social and civic practice, sculpture and installation, visual art, photography, video or media, design, creative writing, movement and dance, music or performance traditions.

Eligibility: At least 21 years of age by application deadline; not currently enrolled in a degree-seeking program; able to participate for the full three-month period; must live and work in California; must agree to live at Hotel Daimaru for the residency; CV should demonstrate working professionally for at least five years. Entry fee: $15.00. Work samples required: 1-10 images, 0-5 audio files, 0-5 video files, and 1-10 page text document. Selected artists receive $4,000 monthly stipend, up to $500 round-trip in-state travel, and up to $8,000 project budget. Housing provided at Hotel Daimaru with private single bedroom, shared bath, and shared kitchen. Studio and workspace provided by host organizations (Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, Japanese American National Museum, Sustainable Little Tokyo, and Visual Communications). Selection based on work samples, application responses, previous community work experience, motivation to participate in Little Tokyo, and clarity of artist statement. Finalists will participate in Skype interviews with the selection panel.