BANDUNG RESIDENCY 2025

The Bandung Residency, presented by the Asian American Arts Alliance (A4) and The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA), is an opportunity designed to uplift the work of organizers, artists, educators, and waymakers whose practice is intended to foster solidarity between Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) and Black communities.

This Residency is made possible through the NYS AAPI Community Fund, Ford Foundation, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, and the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development.

Inspired by past events that have deeply impacted these communities, as well as the Stop Asian Hate and Black Lives Matter movements, this program takes its cue from the first large-scale Asian–African or Afro–Asian Conference, known as the Bandung Conference, which took place in April 1955, in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. The groundbreaking summit, which hosted leaders from 259 newly independent Asian and African states emerging from colonial rule (representing a total population of 1.5 billion people, 54% of the world’s population at the time), signaled a pivotal juncture between these communities to discuss peace, equality, and mutual respect for sovereignty, political self-determination, cultural cooperation, human rights, the role of the Global South (then known as the Third World), economic development, and decolonization. Building upon the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence as identified the previous year by leaders from China and India, the primary objectives of the Bandung Conference ‘55 cohort were “ a call for an end to racial discrimination wherever it occurred, and a reiteration of the importance of peaceful coexistence…and collaboration.”

Similarly, The Bandung Residency aims to cultivate a dynamic safe space for a diverse cohort of changemakers interested in engaging in social justice discourse, restorative healing, cultural placemaking, expanding the narrative between communities, and cross-community allyship, whether participating in the program for their personal transformation, in service to the communities identified, or both.

PROGRAM GOALS

For the fourth cohort of this residency, 6-7 NYC-based visionaries will be selected as residents by a panel of independent reviewers to participate in a six-month-long hybrid program consisting of structured, self-directed, and group learning exchanges that introduce community leaders embedded in this social justice work, propel forward the spirit of solidarity crystalized during the 1960s and ‘70s, center the historical and contemporary issues faced by AANHPI and Black communities, while enabling the deepening of each participant’s relationship with themselves, their practice, other participants within the cohort, and most especially with the communities identified.

Residents are also expected to connect with local leaders and community members to inspire unity through an artistic presentation, shared exploratory experience, or special project that they will incubate and create during the residency. Examples of projects include a public art piece, performance, walking tour, ephemeral installation, or community building activity. Residents are encouraged to realize the project they propose, however we understand if a project evolves and iterates beyond the residency period.

Our north star rests in the human potential to strengthen cross-cultural community ties through intersectional advocacy (within and across participating communities), and to use “art” as a vehicle for social change through neighborhood interventions.

INFORMATION SESSION

A pre-submission information session for those interested in applying will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 6:00–7:00 PM ET via Zoom. Register here.

ABOUT INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS

The Asian American Arts Alliance (A4) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring greater representation, equity, and opportunities for Asian American artists and cultural organizations through resource sharing, promotion, and community building. Since 1983, A4 has sought to unify, promote, and represent the artistic and cultural producers of one of New York City’s fastest-growing populations. We are a diverse alliance of artists, organizations, and arts supporters who believe that working together as a pan-ethnic, multidisciplinary community is essential to nurturing the development of artists and arts groups. A4 serves as a thoughtful convener of the Asian American cultural workforce around issues of race, identity, and artmaking and provides a critical voice for this community. We are the only service organization in the country dedicated to the professional development of Asian American and Pacific Islander artists in all disciplines.

The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art (MoCADA) celebrates the cultural breadth of Africa and its diaspora by connecting the intersectional experiences of Black people through art, education, and social justice. Born in 1999 as an equity model developed by our founder Laurie Cumbo and centering the feasibility of an African art museum working to revitalize underserved Central Brooklyn neighborhoods, 25 years later, we’ve grown from a grassroots startup into an international vehicle for social change. As Brooklyn’s first and only museum dedicated to creating + interpreting contemporary Black art and culture, we strive to balance social inequality by instilling a sense of pride through representation and access to the arts using a window-without-walls approach that extends beyond our 3-venue campus. More than a museum, MoCADA has become a critical tool for welcoming in those who are systemically left out and a safe space for engaging people across social divides. As an revered arts incubator and community bridge, MoCADA transforms people and neighborhoods through cross-cultural exchange, exhibitions + public art, interactive learning, media, community interventions, and other life-sustaining resources.

Connect with A4
Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
www.aaartsalliance.org
#A4

Connect with MoCADA
Facebook, Instagram & Twitter
www.mocada.org
#MOCADA

WHO SHOULD APPLY

Are you a NYC-based changemaker, organizer, artist, educator, waymaker or community leader interested in building a project rooted in fostering solidarity between AANHPI and Black communities? Are you dedicated to inspiring and/or transforming yourself, other artists, the intended communities, or all of the above?

The 2025 Bandung Residency is seeking 6-7 participants with a range of artistic expression, social justice expertise, organizing frameworks, and lived experiences for its fourth cohort. We strongly encourage individuals from underserved communities—including but not limited to Indigenous, low-income, immigrant, disabled, non-native English speaking, LGBTQIA+ communities—to apply.

Requirements

• A current resident of New York City who will be based in New York City for the duration of the program period, from June–December 2025 (this residency will take on a hybrid form with some in-person meetings required)
• Open to individual participants (or participants working in collaboration/collectives no larger than three people); organizations may not apply
• If applying as a collective, all members of the collective must participate in the program and must meet all eligibility requirements and expected participation deliverables
• Degree-earning students at the time of the residency may not apply
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• All disciplines and stages of artistic exploration/developments, activism, community organizing, educational practice, and thought leadership are welcome

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

During the course of the residency, A4/MoCADA will provide 1:1 resource-sharing meetings, access to community through programming, and presentation support.

The program will span six months and include two phases:

Phase 1: Learning/Development + Research (June–September 2025)
Structured time to gain foundational knowledge, get to know cohort members, shape and test project inquiries and research questions, as well as meet with potential collaborators or instigators. This phase will include cohort meetings, learning exchanges led by an expert facilitator, community conversations and Q&A with leaders, skillshares led by cohort members, 1:1 check-ins with A4/MoCADA teams, and the Bandung Symposium.

Phase 2: Community Engagement/Presentation (October–December 2025)
Time to engage with community collaborators and NYC residents and present learnings with support from A4/MoCADA. This phase will include community engagements and project activations organized by cohort members and A4/MoCADA, an internal share out, and a public share out scheduled for January 2026.

As part of the six-month-long residency, cohort members will (as required to be in good standing and toward the completion of the residency program):

• Attend three cohort meetings (welcome, midpoint, and internal share out), as well as participate in two public meetings (Bandung Symposium and public share out)
• Participate in three learning exchanges led by an expert facilitator
• Attend three Bandung Community Conversations/Q&A sessions with community leaders on topics related to building solidarity (details will be shared once the program begins);
• Check-in with the A4/MoCADA teams at least two times for feedback as they are developing their project
• Create a new or build upon an existing project, art presentation/installation, performance, workshop or experience designed as a community activity that will inspire solidarity or create discourse between AANHPI and Black communities;
• Document their research, process, and learnings as part of a book to be published and distributed as a learning tool
• Receive an honorarium of $3,000 per resident (to be paid in multiple installments)

Note: Residents who are not in good standing or do not fulfill the requirements of the residency before each installment, will not receive payment and may be asked to reconsider their participation.

TIMELINE

The application process/schedule is as follows (all times are ET):

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 – Application opens
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 – Pre-submission information session from 6:00–7:00 pm (Zoom) Register here
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – Deadline for all submissions by 11:59 pm
May 15 – June 17, 2025 – Application Review period
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 – Select applicants participate in interviews as part of the final evaluation process
Wednesday, June 25, 2025 – Cohort selected and notified
Monday, June 30, 2025 – Public announcement of Cohort 4

The program schedule (once accepted into the residency program) is as follows (all times are ET):

June:
Monday, June 30, 2025 – Welcome meeting from 6:30–8:30 pm (In Person)

July:
1 learning exchange with expert facilitator (in-person, TBD)
1 community conversation (in-person, TBD)

August:
1 learning exchange with expert facilitator (in-person, TBD)
1 community conversation (in-person, TBD)
Thursday, August 21, 2025 – Midpoint potluck from 6:30–8:30 pm (In Person)

September:
1 learning exchange with expert facilitator (in-person, TBD)
1 community conversation (in-person, TBD)
Saturday, September 20, 2025 – Bandung Symposium from 11:00 am–5:00 pm (In Person)

December:
Monday, December 8, 2025 – Internal share out from 6:30–8:30 pm (Zoom)

January:
Monday, January 26, 2026 – Public Share Out from 6:30–8:30 pm (In Person)

Note: Changes may be made to the program schedule based on cohort members’ schedules. We will try our best to provide options for cohort members to join virtually if needed.

Application Instructions

Below you’ll find the application questions (text-only) for your reference. You can find the actual application on Jotform here.

Personal Information + How you identify

Understanding the nature of this moment, we respect your privacy not to share or elaborate on any of the non-required questions about identity below. All fields marked with * are required and must be filled.

Name * :
Pronouns:
Address * :
Do you currently reside in NYC? Yes/No
Will you reside in NYC during the residency period (June-December 2025)? Yes/No

Please Note: If you are selected as a resident, you will need to provide proof of NYC residency.

Email * :
Phone Number * :
How did you hear about this opportunity? * :
Race/Ethnicity * :
Birthdate * :
Gender Identity:
Sexual Orientation:
Ability/Disability:
If you require any accommodations for the program, feel free to share below.
Other identities you’d like to share:
Your Practice * :
Please check the category you most strongly identify with.
Artist
Culture Worker
Educator
Organizer/Activist
Other
If you identify with more than one category, please elaborate:

We are only accepting applications from individuals or from collectives with three or fewer members. All members of the collective must meet eligibility requirements including NYC residency.
Are you applying as an individual or collective? * :
Individual
Collective
If you are applying as a collective, in what capacity and for how long have you worked together? (200 words max)

Bio(s) * (200 words max)
If you are applying as part of a collective, please include bios of all members: (300 words max)

Narrative Questions

What is your experience with/within the two communities identified? * (300 words max)
What are themes you’d like to explore during the residency? * (300 words max)
What type of transformation are you seeking through the residency? * Please rank.
Personal (includes creative/professional)
Communal
How can this residency support your growth? * (300 words max)

Project + Community Details

What is your project and how will it center, involve, and benefit the communities identified? * (500 words max)
What is the key issue that your project addresses that will build solidarity between the AANHPI and Black communities? * (500 words max)
Why is this project important to you and the communities identified? * (500 words max)
Using your project as the backdrop, please provide an example of a community engagement you would like to design. * (300 words max)
What individuals and/or organizations would you like to collaborate with beyond A4/MoCADA and other residents? * (200 words max)

Is this an existing project? *
Yes
No

During the learning & development phase, we will be inviting cohort members to lead a skillshare. If you are selected, what skill(s) would you like to share with the group? * (200 words max)

Supplementary Information

Your website:
Your Instagram:
Other social handle:
Upload headshot * :
If you are selected, we will use this image for the public announcement. Please check this box to indicate that you give A4 and MoCADA permission to use this image for promotional purposes. *
Yes
Other

Please provide the name of the photographer of your headshot (if applicable):

By signing below, I indicate my intention to participate in the six-month-long residency program – if selected. Participation includes attending mandatory meetings and fulfilling the deliverable requirements of the program. I understand that if the requirements are not met, A4 and MoCADA reserve the right to terminate my participation in the program.

This is the end of the application form. Thank you for taking the time to apply for the 2025 Bandung Residency Program!

FAQ

The FAQ is based on questions we received in past years. We will update with additional questions as they come up.

Will there be housing and/or food accommodations during the Residency and if so, what does that look like?

As the residency is open to residents of the 5 boroughs of New York, we are hoping that all of the participants will already have housing and be engaged in their communities. We are able to provide a stipend of $3,000 per resident at this time. Residents are free to use the stipend in any manner they see fit.

Note: Residents who are not in good standing or do not fulfill the requirements of the residency before each installment, will not receive payment and may be asked to reconsider their participation.

Is a portfolio required?

No, a portfolio is not required. However, you can add your portfolio to your application submission in the Supplementary Information section as a link under “website.”

Would you ever consider expanding this opportunity to non-NYC residents or do you know of any?

At the moment, the residency program is limited to NYC residents only, but we hope to grow this program in coming years and will consider non-NYC residents in the future.

When will you share the specific meeting times?

We will be holding a majority of our sessions from 6:30-8:30pm ET but this is subject to change based on residents’ needs.

All cohort meetings and learning exchanges are mandatory and will be in person.

We encourage all applicants to block off dates in their calendar, especially the welcome meeting on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 from 6:30-8:30pm ET.

Since I work full time I’m curious to ask how much time commitment you anticipate the residency will be asking for. I recognize each project will have its own needs but more like what is the residency asking for within the learning exchanges.

At a minimum, we’re looking at 25 hours based on totaling the cohort meetings, learning exchanges, 1:1 check-ins, and final presentation. The 25 hours does not include the amount of time you may commit to your project/idea over the six-month period. That commitment will be self-driven.

If we are not NYC residents but can commit to attending all of the workshops and dates needed to be in NYC, could we be eligible to apply for this?

No; while the program’s purpose is to create solidarity, we want to see how these projects can impact our communities within the five boroughs of NYC.

Are the in-person meetings mandatory? As a musician, I may get a last minute gig, though the residency would have priority for me.

Yes, all in-person meetings are mandatory unless stated otherwise.

Are we able to save our application and continue filling it out over time?

Yes, you can save your application and return to it later. At the bottom of the page on the application, you will find a “Save” button. You can click “Save” and then come back to it later and submit once you’re ready. You will receive an email with instructions on how to access your saved application. We highly recommend completing your application in a separate word doc first and copying and pasting into the actual application when you’re ready.

Would you be able to go over the difference between a collective and an organization?

An organization is incorporated and has the ability to apply for funding itself, or with a fiscal sponsor, whereas a collective is a group of individuals working towards the building of a project. We are open to collectives with no more than three members.

The founder of the collective is not a student, but I as a co-founder am, would we still be able to apply?

No, because again the purpose of this program is to have people dedicated to the project, to have opportunities and access that they would not have as students. There are a lot of resources that are given to students for access that are not given to people once they are out in the world as an emerging artist or even as a mid-career artist. This residency is intended for people who are dedicated to their practice full-time or as close to that as possible.

Can we use part of the project money to pay the performers, teachers involved in our collective including ourselves?

Yes, absolutely.

Can you speak about the question, what is your experience within the two communities?

For instance, let’s say if you’re an artist, educator, or organizer maybe you have been involved as a teaching artist within one of these communities. You may have been involved in a project that was focusing on one of these communities, or maybe you have been exploring one of them for some time. Or perhaps you’ve done research. There are so many ways to describe experience within these two communities. You could also be someone who is just a member of these communities and speak to that. We want to know about the lived-experience in these communities, so what have you done in these communities or how have you lived within this community.

Will there be make-up sessions for cohort meetings?

No, we won’t have make-up sessions. The meetings are mandatory and an opportunity to get to know your fellow cohort members.

If I want to involve a facilitator that is not based in NYC for my proposed project, is that OK?

Yes, that is OK. We will not be able to provide additional funding to cover travel costs for the facilitator; it will need to come out of the resident’s stipend.

Where can we learn more about past residents’ work?

You can learn more about past residents’ work here: https://www.aaartsalliance.org/programs/the-bandung-residency

And, in the Bandung Book here: https://mocada.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/THE-OFFICIAL-BANDUNG-BOOK-2021-2023-FOR-DOWNLOAD.pdf

Does the NYC residency requirement mean an established, long-term resident rather than someone who moves to NYC to live for the length of the program?

We require that applicants are current NYC residents who are connected to the communities in NYC and looking to serve NYC communities. Given a majority of our funding is through New York City and State, this program must benefit artists/organizers/educators and communities within the five boroughs of NYC.

For a performance-based project with installation components, do you support the project with physical / exhibition space once it is selected?

MoCADA has spaces that might work for exhibition, and both organizations have connections to spaces that might also work. We will try our best to accommodate; it will ultimately depend on size, timing, and other needs. If you have those details in advance, please include them in your application under the Project Details section.

I am an individual artist with a community project idea, but I have general anxiety that prevents me from coming into spaces. Could I have a friend who is an artist/writer speak about the project for me when we are supposed to meet in person?

For any accommodations, please email programs@aaartsalliance.org and we will try our best to address this.

Does the project have to be executed during the residency, or can it be executed sometime after?

Residents are encouraged to realize the project they propose, however we understand if a project evolves and iterates beyond the residency period.

For the selected artist, are the check-ins and learning exchanges in person or are they virtual?

The program including cohort meetings, check-ins, and learning exchanges will be a mix of in-person and virtual. The cohort meetings and learning exchanges will default to in-person, and the 1:1 check-ins will default to virtual. We will share the times and locations of all events at the start of the residency.

I’m the only individual within a small transnational curatorial collective who resides in NYC. Our work is very connected with the Bandung tradition. Would A4/MoCADA be open to a collective with members who aren’t in NYC or is it better to apply individually?

We encourage you to apply as an individual given the residency’s focus on NYC-based communities and impact and the in person components of our program (cohort meetings, learning exchanges, share outs, etc.) We want residents to meet in person for the opportunity to truly bond with each other and the A4/MoCADA teams. You should feel free to mention the collective and its work if it’s relevant to the project you are proposing. While we hope to expand to other cities and communities in the future, for now our residency is focused on New York City.

Do we need to submit work samples?

No, the application does not require work samples. In the supplementary information section, you are given space to include a link to your website or portfolio where you can elaborate on past work.

Will this residency be available for artists who are willing to move to New York?

If you move to NYC before June 14, 2025 when we make our decision on the cohort, you are eligible. We will require that those who are selected submit proof of NYC residency in the form of a lease agreement, utility bill with your name and address, city or state-issued identification with your name and address, etc.

If you’re going to school and will be getting an artist diploma but not a degree earning diploma, can we still apply?

If you are engaged in an artist’s certificate program, that is, not a degree-granting program, you are eligible to apply.

If I am enrolled in a degree program in the evening, does that eliminate me from eligibility?

Yes, if you are enrolled in any kind of degree-granting program whether the classes take place during the day or evening, you are not eligible for the residency.

Would this program be appropriate for creating public art such as wall murals, sculpture, digital art displays, etc.?

Definitely! We’ve had past residents whose practice was in public art including mural-making. As long as the work is rooted in building and/or exploring solidarity between Black and Asian communities, it is appropriate and welcome.

Can a project be in the form of a creative/teaching workshop where participants learn the basics of a certain artistic practice?

Yes, as long as the content is in the spirit of solidarity. Think about neighborhoods, places, where community already exists and/or needs to be brought together because of tensions. We encourage you to think of how you will use your artistic practice as a vehicle for solidarity in those communities.

Does the residency assist with logistics in reaching out to the community? For example, not having experience with making public art and how to pursue that avenue.

Yes, in addition to the A4/MoCADA teams being available for 1:1 meetings, we are happy to make pertinent introductions to community leaders and partners in our respective networks. That said, part of the program is giving residents the space and tools to themselves engage with community members which involves outreach.

Can the project build off another project that might happen at the same time?

Yes, definitely. Projects can be existing or new.

I am ineligible for this residency, is there still a way to get involved with the community?

Of course! A number of events during the residency are open to the public including the Community Conversations (via Zoom) from July through October 2025 and Bandung Symposium in the Fall 2025. The Community Conversations will be led by experts on pertinent topics like design justice, coalition building, building community outside of echo chambers, and sustaining your practice. Their presentations will be open to the public via Zoom, but the Q&A afterwards will be for residents only. If you are looking to volunteer for the Bandung Symposium, please reach out to zola-jourdan@mocada.org. The best way to stay connected is to follow A4 and MoCADA through our newsletter and social media.

What if I have more questions?

A pre-submission Information Session will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 6:00-7:00 pm ET via Zoom. Register here.

For any questions on the application or accomodations, please email programs@aaartsalliance.org. You can view and download the application guidelines above here.