Join Lanesboro Arts in welcoming multi-disciplinary artist Akiko Ostlund as the Lanesboro Arts Artist in Residence at a Welcome Potluck on Tuesday, April 12th from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Second Floor Studio in the St. Mane Theatre. Over a shared meal, Akiko will share examples of past work as well as discuss the project she’ll be working on during her residency. Akiko will share how community members can participate in the residency events, and answer any questions about her work.
During her residency from April 11th through May 9th, Ostlund will workshop her work-in-progress toy theatre piece, Racist Hotline, centering on an imaginary live radio/podcast show. Through this comedic puppet piece Ostlund hopes to examine how racism is normalized in daily life, and create a shared language with the audience in order to cultivate the culture that challenges the oppressive nature of the system we live in.
About Akiko Ostlund
Akiko Ostlund is a Twin Cities-based interdisciplinary storyteller, teaching artist, curator, and activist. The mediums she most commonly works with include poetry, music, dance, collage, and puppetry. Her work often includes themes of anti-oppression and social change. For six years, Akiko has worked as an activist creating both visual and performing art pieces that center around social issues. A native of Osaka, Japan, Akiko tells stories that reflect the narrative of immigrant women of color that are often underrepresented in white eurocentric society. Using puppetry, she aims to create moments for the audience in which they can slow down and be present, allowing them to take in the material more fully. As a non-native English speaker with a unique immigration story, Akiko brings another cultural perspective to community exchange. Telling these stories for social change with new people is a crucial part of Akiko’s artistic practice.
In addition to creating and performing, Akiko has worked closely with the Minneapolis community through teaching at schools and museums, working for large-scale community art projects, curating shows, and working as an anti-oppression and wellness coordinator for theatre company, Mixed Precipitation. These experiences have given Akiko vast experience at facilitating spaces where people with different backgrounds and abilities work collectively to achieve one goal.
**Masks encouraged for all indoor events, except when eating.
Learn more about Akiko and her residency project by clicking here.
The Lanesboro Artist Residency Program is supported by the Jerome Foundation.
