The Bandung 2024-25 Residency

The Bandung 2024-25 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/Pacific Islander (AAPI) 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.

ABOUT THE RESIDENCY

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 29 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 this Residency, 7-10 NYC-based visionaries will be selected as residents by a panel of independent reviewers to participate in a year-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 AAPI 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.

Participants in The Bandung 2024-25 Residency will also be encouraged to connect with local leaders and community members to inspire unity through the lens of an artistic presentation, shared exploratory experience, or special project (e.g. public art piece, performance, walking tour, ephemeral installation, community building activity, etc.) that they will incubate and/or create during their Residency. “Work” completed during the Residency might also plant a seed that leads to a larger project that will be realized after the Residency. While collaboration within the cohort is not required, we will support projects that evolve from an individual idea into a collective vision shared between (two or more) participants.

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 was held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 12:00-1:00pm ET via Zoom. You can find the recording 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) was born from the graduate thesis of our founder Laurie Cumbo on the feasibility of an African art museum contributing to the revitalization of its neighboring Black communities. Twenty years later, our mission has grown through three programmatic arms – Exhibitions, Education, and Community – that use art as a vehicle for social change via the celebration of Africa and the diaspora. Through artistic presentations, community conversations, creative expression, interactive learning, and cultural preservation, we amplify “voices” that are central to the upliftment of Black lives, and advocate for equity and access on every level. We reach beyond the walls of our physical museum space to deliver dynamic arts, educational, and social justice programs, including 60+ exhibitions, 500+ public programs, conversations, community gatherings, healing circles, learning opportunities and more in the gallery, the street, parks, schools, public housing and beyond. “More than a museum”, MoCADA has become a critical tool for welcoming those who are systematically left out, and a safe space for engaging with people across social divides.

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

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

Requirements

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

The Bandung 2024-25 Residency is seeking 7-10 participants with a range of artistic expression, social justice expertise, organizing frameworks, and lived experiences for its third cohort. Criteria for selection include:

• A resident of New York City & primarily based in New York City during the program period of June 2024-June 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); 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
• Degree-earning students at the time of 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
• Demonstrate a willingness or an interest in community work and fostering solidarity between communities
• Create or develop an existing or new project that is forward thinking and proactive, that centers community building, healing, and solidarity, and not limited to being solely reactionary to moments of crisis or protest
• Projects should center/engage in social justice discourse, restorative healing, cultural placemaking, expanding the narrative between communities, and cross-community allyship, whether for their personal transformation, in service to the communities identified, or both
• Connect with local leaders and community members to inspire unity through the lens of an artistic presentation, shared exploratory experience, or special project (e.g. public art piece, performance, walking tour, ephemeral installation, community building activity, etc) that they will incubate / create during their Residency.
• Project completion is not limited to the residency period. “Work” completed during the Residency may also plant a seed that leads to a larger project that will be realized after the Residency.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE AND TIMELINE

A4/MoCADA will provide support and logistical help during the application process. During the course of the Residency, we will expand this framework to include mentorship, resource-sharing (community contacts), workshop facilitation, and presentation support.

Based on our learnings from the first two cohorts, we are expanding the program to span 12 months. There are three phases of the Residency:

Phase 1: Learning + Development (June-December 2024)
Structured time to gain foundational knowledge, get to know cohort members, and begin shaping project inquiry/research questions. This phase will include social gatherings with cohort members, learning exchanges led by a notable anti-oppression coach, and conversations and Q&A with leaders on topics of interest. A4/MoCADA teams are available for 1:1 check-ins as needed.

Phase 2: (January-March 2025)
Self-directed time to perform research, meet with community members and organizations, pilot and test ideas. A4/MoCADA teams are available for 1:1 check-ins as needed.

Phase 3: Community Engagement/Presentation (April-June 2025)
Self-directed time to organize community engagements and presentations of learnings with support from A4/MoCADA. A4/MoCADA teams are available for 1:1 check-ins as needed.

As part of the year-long Residency, participants will:

• Participate in three learning exchanges led by YK Hong, a notable anti-oppression coach (emailing coach for one-on-one support is optional, but available);
• Attend four conversation/Q&A sessions with community leaders on topics of interest (details will be announced once the program begins);
• Be offered the opportunity for up to three 1:1 check-ins with A4/MoCADA
• 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 AAPI and Black communities;
• Be asked to document their research, process, and learnings as part of a larger book to be published and distributed for free
• Receive an honorarium $3,000 per Resident (payments will be issued in three installments; one per phase)

The program schedule is as follows:

April 16, 2024 Application Opens
April 23, 2024 Pre-submission Information Session (12:00-1:00pm ET via Zoom)
May 14, 2024 Deadline for all Submissions (by 11:59 pm ET)
June 14, 2024 Cohort Selected + Notified
June-Dec 2024 Learning + Development: Structured time to gain foundational knowledge, get to know cohort members, and begin shaping project inquiry/research questions. A4/MoCADA teams are available for 1:1 check-ins as needed.
June 25, 2024 Public Announcement
June 25, 2024 Welcome Meeting (6:30-8:30pm ET In Person)
July 8, 2024 A4/MoCADA Staff Learning Exchange with YK Hong (not for Residents)
July 11, 2024 Learning Exchange #1 with YK Hong (6:30–8:30pm ET In Person)
July 18, 2024 Community Conversation and Q&A (6:30-8:30pm ET via Zoom)
Aug 6, 2024 Learning Exchange #2 with YK Hong (6:30–8:30pm ET In Person)
Aug 15, 2024 Community Conversation and Q&A (6:30-8:30pm ET via Zoom)
Sept 5, 2024 Midpoint Potluck Meal (In Person)
Sept 19, 2024 Community Conversation and Q&A (6:30-8:30pm ET via Zoom)
Oct 8, 2024 Learning Exchange #3 with YK Hong (6:30–8:30pm ET In Person)
Oct 24, 2024 Community Conversation and Q&A (6:30-8:30pm ET via Zoom)
Jan-March 2025 Research: Self-directed time to perform research, meet with community members and organizations, pilot and test ideas. A4/MoCADA teams are available for 1:1 check-ins as needed.
Jan 2025 New Year Gathering (In Person)
April-June 2025 Community Engagement/Presentation: Self-directed time to organize community engagements and presentations of learnings with support from A4/MoCADA. A4/MoCADA teams are available for 1:1 check-ins as needed.
June 2025 Summer Social/Share Out (In Person)

IMPORTANT NOTE: The program schedule is subject to change primarily based on Residents’ needs and schedules. All learning exchanges and social gatherings (e.g. welcome meeting, midpoint potluck, new year, summer social, etc.) will be in person; we will try our best to provide options for Residents to join virtually if needed.

FAQ

The FAQ is based on questions we’ve received during the information sessions and via email. 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 only able to provide a stipend of $3,000 per artist at this time, which will be issued in three installments per phase, that is: $1,000 in July 2024; $1,000 in April 2025; and $1,000 in June 2025. Residents are free to use the stipend in any manner they see fit.

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 under video upload or a link to your website. If you want to include your portfolio in that section, you are welcome to, but it is not required.

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 would we know 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 learning exchanges and social gatherings are mandatory and will be in person (e.g. welcome meeting, midpoint potluck, new year, summer social, etc.) We will try our best to provide options for Residents to join virtually if needed.

We encourage all applicants to block off dates in their calendar, especially the welcome meeting on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 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 30 hours based on totaling the cohort meetings, learning exchanges, 1:1 check-ins, and final presentation. The 30 hours does not include the amount of time you may commit to your project/idea over the year-long 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?

We have to say no because while the program’s purpose is to create solidarity, we want to see how these projects can impact our communities and we’d like to have them happen in NYC.

Is attending in person meetings mandatory since the term is the touring time for musicians. My friends and I may get some last minute gigs although this Residency has the higher priority.

The learning exchanges are absolutely necessary and mandatory. We want to encourage you to attend all of the community conversations, so if you think that you will miss more than one or two that might be challenging.

I noticed the application equates the concept of the third world with the global south, both of these concepts have been disputed. Will the program sessions address this as a discussion topic? What are some of the discussion topics being planned?

So “Third World,” “Global South,” the reason that language was cited was that it was being used at the time of the original conference in 1955; and yes, topics such as that will come up for discussion. So, a little bit about YK (the learning exchange facilitator). YK is an anti-oppression organizer, thought-leader, and consultant, so they will be exploring many topics on their own but in addition to that, the residents will be participating actively, engaging in discussions they want to bring up as well, so topics they may feel are important to their particular project or collective communities in general, so this can be posed yes, but the full list of discussion topics are forthcoming.

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?

We believe the difference is that a collective is less formal than an organization. So, an organization is incorporated or could apply under fiscal sponsorship whereas a collective is a group of individuals working together towards the building of a project so it’s a bit more informal.

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

We are thinking 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, so we’re thinking this is really for people who are dedicated to their practice full-time or as close to that as possible.

Can you share more about how the learning exchanges will be facilitated?

They will be conversational. There will be themes that will be grounding themes for those conversations. But, both YK and those who are in attendance, all the residents, will be exploring themes that come up naturally through those conversations but the intention is to fortify the historical legacy of solidarity between these two communities and exploring what are the current issues within these collective communities and how to bridge the solidarity.

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 group cohorts?

We won’t have make-up sessions for the cohort meetings. We encourage people to attend all meetings to learn from each other and share their progress, hurdles, etc.

What is the difference between your intentions and project description?

Intentions: what is your ultimate goal? What is the purpose of your project? Why is this Residency so important to you right now at this moment?
Project Description: What is the mechanism, the actual structure, product, or workshop that you are building; how do you describe it in a physical/tangible form?

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.

Is there anywhere we can view past cohorts’ work?

You can learn more about the inaugural cohort and their projects here: https://www.aaartsalliance.org/programs/the-bandung-residency

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 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 have a question. I am an individual artist with a community project idea. But I have general anxiety. That prevents me from coming into spaces sometimes. 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 special accommodations, please email jlee@aaartsalliance.org and we will try our best to address this.

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

The project has to be in progress during the duration of the Residency Program, but it does not need to be completed. In your application, you will have space to share your project goals and benchmarks.

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

The program including social gatherings, check-ins, and learning exchanges will be a mix of in-person and virtual. The social gatherings and learning exchanges will default to in-person, and the 1:1 check-ins will default to virtual. When we do have in-person meetings, we will try our best to accommodate folks who need to join virtually by streaming the in-person meeting. We will share the exact times and locations of all events as best we can before the program begins.

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 (social gatherings, 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, 2024 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.

I understand you cannot be a degree earning student but is it okay if you have already graduated?

Yes, of course! As long as you are not enrolled in a degree-granting program during the Residency, 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.

Can you give us some examples of past participants and their projects?

For an idea of past participants and their projects, please visit this webpage: https://www.aaartsalliance.org/programs/the-bandung-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 2024, our Bandung Book Release Party in Summer 2024, 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 Book Release Party or Symposium, please reach out to zola@mocada.org. The best way to stay connected is to follow A4 and MoCADA through our newsletter and social media.

Other than A4/MoCADA teams, will there be access to mentors?

We will be inviting past Residents to facilitate workshops in the second phase, once our Residents have a stronger direction and clearer idea on their project idea. They will act as mentors in this capacity and be able to answer questions as they come up in the workshops. We also encourage Residents in the cohort to be mentors to each other, which often happens organically.

Application Instructions

To access the application, click here.

You can access the application guidelines, application questions, and FAQ in two formats: PDF | Google Doc (View-only)

A pre-submission Information Session was held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 12:00-1:00pm ET via Zoom. You can view the recording HERE.

For any questions on the application or for any accessibility needs, please email jlee@aaartsalliance.org.