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 historically 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 in residence also interact with each other as a cohort through discussion and support around topics relevant to Lakou NOU projects and participate in HCX-facilitated professional development opportunities. Topics include tools for cultural preservation, art in public spaces, engaging in social practice, and implementation of community programming.
Application & Notification Timeline:
December 2018 – January 14th @ Midnight 2019: Applications are completed and submitted
January – February 2019: Applications are reviewed and cohort is announced
March 2019: 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: Monday, JANUARY 14TH, 2019 @ Midnight
Applications may be submitted in two ways:
OPTION 1: Written Submission: Applications may be submitted as a written application in a PDF file.
OPTION 2: Video Submission: Applications may be submitted as a video response in MP4, AVI, MOV, FLV file formats. Video submissions may be in English or Kreyòl. Videos should be no longer than 20 minutes in length.
Responses must demonstrate a detailed and organized thought process. Applications should be submitted to Régine M. Roumain at regine@hcx.qadracreatives.com.
Application Assistance
In an effort to increase accessibility to this opportunity, HCX will be offering application assistance open hours. If you have specific questions, issues with access to technology, or require language assistance, please contact info@hcx.qadracreatives.com to make an appointment for in-person help from an HCX staff member on Thursday, December 13 between 11am-7pm.
Assistance is also available online. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Régine M. Roumain at regine@hcx.qadracreatives.com or call 347-565-4429
To learn about past Lakou NOU projects, visit our Archives.
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