In rural Haiti, the Lakou communal living system embodies the intersection of land, family, and spirituality. Lakou members develop reciprocal patterns of resource sharing and jointly work the land. Lakou NOU (“Our Yard” in Haitian Creole), HCX’s newest program, is a creative adaption of this traditional model. This project provides four artists of Haitian descent with the opportunity to create and present new work by connecting their skills and talents to four traditionally underserved Brooklyn neighborhoods, home to generations of Haitians and Haitian-Americans: Crown Heights, Canarsie, East Flatbush, and Flatbush.
In 2016, the programs inaugural year, Lakou NOU artists produced diverse multidisciplinary projects that drew connections between artistic practice and neighborhood concerns. Drumming set the tone for discussions about health and wellness in Canarsie. Dance navigated the topic of state-sanctioned violence in East Flatbush. Storytelling and video art explored gentrification that is taking place in Crown Heights. Over ten partners, including high schools, tenant organizing groups, libraries, and the national non-profit StoryCorps, were enlisted by our Lakou NOU artists to help them work with local residents toward addressing community issues and building on neighborhood strengths.
This year, Lakou NOU artists will be provided with a stipend of $7,000 for creating new art; the development, implementation, documentation, and evaluation of projects; access to a network of other artists, community leaders, and local organizations; a platform to showcase their work to varied audiences; and the opportunity to develop leadership skills while becoming more acquainted with social issues affecting Brooklyn communities.
Artists will engage in a curated professional development series designed to help them prepare for the challenges and opportunities that will come with cultivating and stewarding space for their projects. The series will introduce artists to the principles of social practice, community engagement, program planning and implementation, and impact assessment.
Resident-artist Timeline:
December – January 5th 2018: Applications are completed and submitted
January – February: Applications are reviewed and results are announced
February: Orientation for Lakou NOU residents; professional development series begins
Applicant Guidelines
Selection Criteria:
*Artistic excellence and originality
*Residence in or a demonstrated relationship with the Lakou NOU communities*
*An artistic practice rooted in community, collaboration, and dialogue
*Identification as an artist of Haitian decent working in any artistic discipline
Additional Requirements
*Artists are not required to live in the targeted “Lakou” neighborhoods (Crown Heights, Flatbush, East Flatbush, or Canarsie), BUT must live in the greater New York City area.
*Artists must demonstrate interest in and commitment to Crown Heights, Flatbush, East Flatbush, and/or Canarsie neighborhoods.
How do I apply?
APPLICATION DEADLINE JANUARY 5TH, 2018
Applications should be submitted as a PDF file to Régine M. Roumain at regine@hcx.qadracreatives.com.
Responses must demonstrate a detailed and organized thought process. If you have any questions or concerns, please email our Programs Coordinator, Veroneque Ignace at veroneque@hcx.qadracreatives.com or call 347-565-4429.
To learn about past Lakou NOU projects, visit our Archives.
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