SEA Change Lab is a cohort-based program aimed at growing social empowerment and leadership development through storytelling in arts, advocacy, and reimagination. We work with young people ages 16-25 with heritage roots from mainland Southeast Asia, including indigenous and ethnic groups from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. We center, support and guide our young people’s experiences using an interdisciplinary cross-cultural, cross-generational approach.
Registration is open for our summer cohort. Summer SEA Change Lab is 100% in person during the summer session and will require reliable transportation to weekly activities and site visits.
The SEA Change Lab program was my first experience participating in any sort of creative arts/advocacy cohort. I absolutely loved connecting with my members, checking in with one another, laughing, sharing, crying, etc. This is the first time I’ve been connected to a full SEA community since I moved to a PWC. I feel rejuvenated. I feel affirmed with a new sense of confidence to continue to take up space.
I loved doing the memory mapping, planning your passion, and the healing circle. The memory/ancestry mapping has inspired me to write a letter to Tais, because I do not know much about my grandma’s history and found out that I’m not the only one, because of a language barrier. Planning our passions helped me conceptualize how I can continue to realistically incorporate art into my life. Mental health is not something that is often talked about in the SEA community, and I’m glad that I had the space to discuss it with others.
There are so many things that I enjoyed about the program. [I] got to get back to my artistic/creative side and really capture what that looks like as a SEA. Being in community with other SEA creatives taught me so much about what it means to be an artist but also how our identities as SEA tie into that. I’ve never claimed any creative spaces because I never felt like what I create was of value, but SEA Change Lab showed me that I am needed in certain spaces and that there are still numerous conversations needed to be had about storytelling as a SEA.
The SEAD Change Lab is an incredible asset to our burgeoning community of young Southeast Asian creatives. It was a powerful experience to be among so many artists that I relate to, some of whom I believe I will cultivate relationships with for a long time to come. I have a newfound sense of possibility with my art making, leadership, and advocacy drawn from my experiences.
WHO & WHERE
We're looking for up to 12 Changemakers who are able to work collectively and collaboratively using artistic mediums including but not limited to writing, visual arts, movement, digital art, music, and performance that will engage communities on Southeast Asian issues. Cohort members are welcome from all over the country, as all activities will take place online. The finished outcome will be in the form of a virtual community exhibition and digital+print zine publication. The program will be 100% virtual, with materials shipped to all participants.
COHORT STIPEND
$1,000 per participant at the end of program completion.
EXPECTATIONS
All Changemakers will...
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learn topics in arts, advocacy, and community issues that impact the Southeast Asian diaspora;
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be provided with professional development tools and training.
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be matched with a mentor;
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create an original work responding to these key community issues: COVID19 Pandemic, Abolition, Anti-Asian Violence, Deportation, Healing Justice, Environmental Justice, and Southeast Asian Cultural Reimagination (Identity, Heritage, Histories);
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work directly with community members;
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join a supportive alumni network;
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receive their stipend only if they fully participate and finish the program.
CHANGEMAKERS CRITERIA
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Must be ages 18-25 years old
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Must identify as having heritage or roots from Southeast Asia
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Must be into creative arts
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Must have strong interest in storytelling for change
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Must be able to participate in weekly virtual planning meetings, trainings, and check-ins
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Must meet minimum technical requirements in order to participate (stable internet, working phone, etc). If this is an accessibility issue, SEAD can provide financial support for need-based participants.
