While the artists were deep in their exchanges this past Spring and Summer, ZERO1 began the search for the next class of AAI artists. The selection process was highly-competitive and these artists rose to the top. It is with great pleasure that ZERO1 announces the artists who will represent the United States as part of American Arts Incubator 2015-16:
Andrew Quitmeyer — The Philippines
Genevieve Erin O’Brien — Vietnam
John Craig Freeman — China
Sara Dean & Beth Ferguson — Indonesia
Inspired by the “business incubator” model made popular by Silicon Valley technology start-ups, American Arts Incubator is designed to spark new ideas for community engagement through public art. The program uses digital and new media to promote cross-cultural collaboration, increase awareness, and provide innovative solutions to pressing challenges.
Working closely with ZERO1, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. embassies, local community leaders, and local artists, the artists will travel to their assigned countries for four weeks to develop public art projects. During such time the artists will lead workshops to teach specific skills, develop project ideas with community participants, and execute a micro-grant program to fund the development of community driven art projects.
We are excited to embark on the second round the American Arts Incubator with such a talented group of artists. Keep an eye on our blog to stay up-to-date with the artists as they begin to prepare for their exchanges!
Top row: Andrew Quitmeyer and Genevieve Erin O’Brien
Bottom row: Sara Dean, Beth Ferguson, and John Craig Freeman.
