Artist in Residence

Uniting the creative and cleantech communities

Vision: AIR, the Artist-in-Residence Program at Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), empowers innovation by uniting the creative and cleantech communities in the shared aim of addressing global environmental problems.

AIR Director’s Letter

In 2016, I visited LACI for the first time. I was making work about the Los Angeles River, and heard about a place in the Arts District that was both home to River LA and a hub for companies developing climate solutions. I never imagined that visit would turn into a new artist-in-residence program supporting thinkers working with climate-related ideas.

I vividly remember the first time I saw the Advanced Prototyping Center (APC). At the time, I was making my first works in steel, wrestling with materials in my nearby studio. On entering the APC, I found myself in a shop with all the tools I needed to complete the work about the Los Angeles River I had been struggling with for months.

On seeing the facility, recognizing the intellectual capacity on campus, and acknowledging the Arts District location, I suggested I should become LACI’s first artist-in-residence. I expected the idea to be met with at best a shrug, but more likely refusal. I was overwhelmed when the response was intrigue and a long line of curious questions. A months-long dialogue followed, articulating why welcoming artists as strategic thinkers is vital to moving forward, why LACI is the ideal home for research-based artists, and exploring the enormous potential of this program.

And so AIR was born. I always say this could only happen in Los Angeles. With genuine openness, curiosity and collaboration, thinkers of diverse backgrounds are working together to tackle our most urgent global issue: finding climate solutions.

I am in constant awe of the community of thinkers dedicated to working at the intersection of climate, spatial and social justice. And I am constantly thankful for the privilege of being a part of this conversation.

I want to personally thank every supporter, collaborator, artist, thinker and event participant who has brought AIR this far. I can’t wait to grow this program with you all, and to welcome new collaborators into this incredible community.

With much gratitude,
Debra

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