SEA Change Lab is a cohort-based program that fosters social empowerment and leadership development through storytelling. It is designed for young people ages 16–25 with heritage roots in mainland Southeast Asia, including indigenous and ethnic communities from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. We center, support, and uplift their experiences through an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, and cross-generational approach grounded in arts and advocacy.
Registration opens May 15, 2025.
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 seeking up to 10 changemakers who can work collectively and collaboratively through artistic mediums—such as writing, visual arts, movement, music, and performance—to engage communities on Southeast Asian issues. The final outcome will include a digital zine and a showcase of cohort artists at the SEA Change Lab Recital. The program will be 100% in person during the summer session and will require reliable transportation to weekly activities and site visits.
COHORT STIPEND
$1,000 per participant at the end of program completion.
EXPECTATIONS
All Changemakers will...
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Explore topics in arts, advocacy, and community issues affecting the Southeast Asian diaspora.
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Receive professional development tools and training.
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Be matched with a mentor for guidance and support.
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Create an original work responding to key community issues, including:
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The 50th Commemoration of the Vietnam War, Secret War in Laos, and the Khmer Rouge
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Abolition
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Anti-Asian Violence
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Deportation
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Healing Justice
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Environmental Justice
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Southeast Asian Cultural Reimagination (Identity, Heritage, Histories)
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Reimagining relationships between the Southeast Asian communities
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Will work directly with community members.
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Upon completion, join a supportive SEA Change Lab alumni network.
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Full participation and completion of the program are required to receive the stipend.
CHANGEMAKERS CRITERIA
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Ages 16–25
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Heritage or roots from mainland Southeast Asia
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Passion for creative arts
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Interest in storytelling for social change
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Must attend all in-person sessions, trainings, and check-ins
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Submit a final original work responding to key community issues
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A $1,000 stipend will be provided upon completion of the program
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(Full attendance and submission of final work are required to receive full stipend.)
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