(Vancouver, BC) – The Indian Summer Arts Society launches the first year of the ‘Culture Lab: Artist as Healer’ program and invites South Asian artists to apply for a $25,000 bursary by December 17th , 2021, at 11:59 PM. The project resources South Asian artists who live and work in the Metro Vancouver region in any medium or discipline to work collaboratively with other artists, mentors, and medical and wellness communities to develop healing methodologies through art. The selected artist (or collective) will receive a $25,000 stipend for five months and additional funds of up to $20,000 to cover associated costs.
“South Asian healing practices are many and varied, as is the art created in the community,” says Sirish Rao, Indian Summer Festival’s Artistic Director. “We explore what could be possible if we created a space and resources for artists to collaborate with the wellness community, and reclaim the position of the artist in society as a healer. There’s no denying over the past two years, the arts have gotten us through these tough times.”
Based on research, mentorship and learnings, the artist will produce a work –- an event or workshop or interactive project — that engages the community and inspires other artists and healthcare professionals to bridge the gap between art and healing. This incubation lab will run annually with separate artists/collectives from 2022-2024, with learnings documented, evaluated, and shared along the way.
Dr. Arun Garg is a mentor and partner in the project who set up the South Asian Health Institute at Fraser Health Authority and is the former President of the BCMA. “It is rare for an arts organization to reach across disciplines in the way that ISAS has consistently done. Healing is a complex art and elements of sight, smell, hearing are as critical as any other elements. This project will give us the the tools for integrative thinking and a holistic approach to healing.”
The Vancouver Foundation is the major supporter of this project. Community Partners also include the Canada India Network Society (CINS).
For more information on ‘Culture Lab: Artist as Healer’ proposals and criteria, please visit www.indiansummerfest.ca.
