Get Deja to ACRE
Spende geschützt
Hey Hey, It’s Deja Milany Jones! If you don’t already know me, I am a Detroit-based fiber artist, educator, caretaker and recent graduate of Cranbrook Academy of Art.
Let me just say finishing up my formal educational journey has been a bittersweet experience that I will always be grateful for.
But, I am excited to keep my momentum and begin to explore what the world has to offer.
My work currently consists of multi-sensory interactive pieces that explore what building safe spaces for myself and other Black Femme people looks like. While focusing on themes of self-actualization, escapism, healing, Black femme-hood, and cultural and individual identity. I usually work with braiding hair and other materials commonly found in beauty supply stores, salons, and Black femmes spaces dedicated to self-care. Not only are these materials extremely accessible to me but, I have had the privilege to create an intimate connection with the materials and have mastered the ability to manipulate them. In addition, I have found that these materials have the ability to create a connection with those who have had the experience of working with and wearing them throughout their lives.
Now that you know a little more about who I am and what I do, I am highly elated to announce that I have been accepted to participate in the ACRE Residency in Steuben, WI. The residency is described as: a non-profit organization that enacts two main programs— our summer residency program and our year-round exhibitions program based in Chicago. The Residency Program takes place every July and August in Steuben, Wisconsin. The length of each session (14 days) is set so that artists at the emerging level are able to take time away from work and other obligations. Many artists use their time at ACRE for research, experimentation, learning new techniques, seeking out feedback, and connecting with other artists in addition to creating art. This program highly emphasizes a communal atmosphere. Each resident is provided with an opportunity to exhibit work through our Exhibitions Program. In the year following the summer residency, residents work with ACRE’s Curatorial Board or one of our Partner Galleries in Chicago and elsewhere, to conceptualize, plan, and produce an exhibition. This program was developed to both provide residents the invaluable experience of working with a curator to organize an exhibition and to provide a forum for the ACRE community to come together regularly post-residency.
ACRE’S MISSION: ACRE (Artists’ Cooperative Residency and Exhibitions) is an artist-run non-profit devoted to providing resources to emerging artists and nurturing a diverse community of cultural producers. ACRE’s programs support this generative community with materials, equipment, expertise, conscientiously produced food, and opportunities to exhibit and share work. ACRE’s annual summer residency in rural Wisconsin brings together emerging artists to live and work in a communal setting. A corresponding yearlong program of exhibitions and events based in Chicago creates ongoing opportunities for idea exchange, feedback and growth. Programs such as ACRE Projects, ACRE Kitchen, and ACRE TV, provide additional venues for collaboration and experimentation. ACRE aims to be a leader at advancing new means of support for emerging artists at critical junctures in their careers. ACRE eschews focus on traditional institutional success, instead prioritizing the unique, individually defined paths of artists.
The Acre residency will be an amazing career-altering opportunity that would allow me to create work in an entirely new environment to challenge and question the ways I am approaching my practice. In addition, I will have the ability to show in Chicago where my work will be exposed to a new audience. I am also excited to connect and learn from other artists that I otherwise wouldn’t have the ability to.
But, The ACRE Residency does cost a fee. This financial contribution allows for the faculty to continue providing a safe and enriching environment to residents. In addition to the residency fee I am required to provide my own form of transportation. While the residency does provide financial aid and scholarships I was not awarded any. I am flattered to have been selected to participate but, I am not currently able to cover these costs on my own.
So, I wanted to reach out to my beautiful community for financial support! I am looking to raise $2,000. These funds will be put towards my residency fees, car repair (so I can drive there), and childcare. Anything you can offer will be of help and I will be exceedingly grateful for your contribution. Everyone who is able to gift $50 will receive an 11x17” screen-printed braided poster designed and created by me. Everyone who is able to gift $100+ will receive an 18x24” screen-printed braided poster also designed and created by me.
Thank you all for your time & all of your support!! Please share any and everywhere if you can.
Organisator
Deja Jones
Organisator
Detroit, MI