create change 2025
The Laundromat Project invites all NYC-based artists, activists, neighbors, designers, organizers, healers, storytellers, and cultural producers to apply for the 2025 Create Change program as we explore social practices through a community engagement lens. The program will consist of a series of hybrid (virtual and in-person) convenings to engage The Laundromat Project’s community-based art pedagogy and practices, which center collaborative, cooperative, and co-created art projects. Our convenings are based on our three main learning blocks which lead the focus of each convening and are designed to ground participants in our LP Values.
The Create Change program is shaped around three learning blocks (graduated advancements in the training):
Make Art
What role does art, culture, and creativity play in making meaning, shifting narratives, and creating change in our communities? Participants examine a range of artforms across the fields of social practice and creative placemaking that align with The Laundromat Project’s approaches to cultural asset mapping and leadership development.
Build Community
How can art and cultural practices build trust and accountability with communities? Participants will explore approaches to fostering attunement with community rhythms, building reciprocal partnerships, and the art of meeting people where they are.
Create Change
Understanding the power that exists within ourselves and our communities, how do we creatively leverage power for equity and positive societal change? Participants will explore personal and collective relationships to race, power, and privilege in order to facilitate social transformation through their art and cultural practices.
FELLOWSHIP OVERVIEW
The Create Change Fellowship program is for artists and cultural producers who are interested in developing and deepening a collaborative, community-based, and socially-engaged creative practice. The Fellowship is philosophically grounded in peer-learning around art making, power analysis, and community building.
The 2025 Create Change Fellowship is a six-month incubator that gives participants the tools to develop, workshop, and generate project ideas incorporating The LP’s values and community-based methodology. The program requires a significant time commitment as Fellows will design community-engaged programs within and around The LP’s storefront in Bed-Stuy. Up to 10 Fellows will be selected to participate in the 2025 program.
PROGRAM FORMAT
The 2025 Fellowship program will run from February 2025 through September 2025. The program schedule includes the following:
- Orientation and Lab
- Cohort coaching sessions and professional development opportunities based on our learning blocks of making art, building community, and making change
- Opportunity to develop a collaborative public program with community partners
- A culminating final activation and presentation
- Access to office-hours with LP program staff
- Supplemental artist workshops
- Access to alumni community upon completion
OPEN CALL | TIMELINE
- Info Sessions (by borough) | September 12 - 25, 2024
- Bronx : September 12 - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Brooklyn : September 13 - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Staten Island : September 20 - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Queens : September 23 - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Manhattan: September 25 - 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
- Award Notification | December 2024