Multi-disciplinary artist Akiko Ostlund examines how racism is normalized in daily life, and create a shared language with the audience in order to cultivate culture change as the Lanesboro Arts Artist in Residence from April 11 to May 9, 2022.
Lanesboro Arts is proud to present multi-disciplinary artist Akiko Ostlund as she works on a toy theatre piece examining racism as the Lanesboro Arts Artist in Residence from April 11 to May 9, 2022.
During her residency, 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.
The general public can participate throughout the entire residency in a variety of ways, starting with the Welcome Potluck on Tuesday, April 12th. Opportunities for engagement during the residency also include opportunities to join puppet-making workshops, as well as open studio options for all ages. Through participating in Lanesboro events like Open Mic Night, a Lanesboro Public School artist visit, and appearing as a guest on the Location Lanesboro podcast, Akiko will interact and meet the community in a variety of locations and opportunities around town. The residency will culminate in a Farewell Potluck and Work-in-Progress Capstone event. All are welcome to join for any of the free public events happening.
Residency Events
- Tuesday, April 12th, 6:00 pm: Welcome Potluck for Akiko Ostlund at St. Mane Theatre Studio>
- Saturday, April 16th: 10 – 11:30 am: Multi-Media Storytelling Workshop at St. Mane Theatre Second Floor Studio
- Saturday, April 23rd: 10 – 11:30 am: Open Studio with Akiko at St. Mane Theatre Second Floor Studio>
- Sunday, April 24th, 1:30 – 2:30 pm: Puppet-Making Workshop with Akiko Sylvan Brewing
- Saturday, April 30th: 10 – 11:30 am: Open Studio with Akiko at St. Mane Theatre Second Floor Studio
- Friday, May 6th, 6:00 pm: Farewell Potluck & Work-in-Progress Puppet Show at St. Mane Theatre Second Floor Studio
**Masks encouraged for all indoor events, except when eating.
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. 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. For six years, Akiko has worked as an activist creating both visual and performing art pieces that center around social issues. 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 also brings another cultural perspective which might aid in an interesting exchange. Telling 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.
The Lanesboro Artist Residency Program is supported by the Jerome Foundation.
