Founded by dancer and choreographer Leah Zeiger, The Sunflower Project has announced its inaugural Demand To Be Heard residency “supporting Los Angeles based performing artists who are survivors of gender-based violence, interpartner violence, domestic violence and/or sexual assault.” Applications will be accepted until March 28th 2025 at 11:45pm PST.
The Sunflower Project – Photo by Celia Zeiger.
Information about Demand To Be Heard from The Sunflower Project’s website
A catalyst for self-discovery and personal growth, Demand To Be Heard invites survivors to shatter the barriers of stigma, cultivate empathy, understanding, and support among a wider community. This platform raises awareness about the impact of trauma, challenges societal misconceptions, and fosters a culture of healing and resilience.
We encourage survivors from all backgrounds and experiences to embrace their creativity and participate in this transformative initiative. By sharing their art and stories, survivors not only empower themselves but also inspire others who may be on their own healing journey. The Demand To Be Heard residency will support artists in developing work to reflect their lived experience as a survivor and will provide an opportunity for artists to show their work in a culminating production.
The resident artist cohort will meet regularly in Los Angeles from May through October 2025, at intervals and times determined by the group as a whole. Artists should anticipate spending 3-6 hours a month in group and individual meetings, plus additional time working on their project. The program is free to Resident Artists and will include a small production support stipend to be spent at the artist’s discretion.
The Sunflower Project – Photo by Celia Zeiger.
Resident artists in this intensive residency will receive:
Group workshops led by professional performing artists, body workers, writers, educators, and leaders in the gender-based violence field. Presenters include:
Teresa ‘Toogie’ Barcelo, Carene Rose, Diana Wyenn, and more! One-on-one mentorship with The Sunflower Project’s founder Leah Zeiger, Bi-weekly Body Memory Method sessions (read more about the Body Memory Method HERE), The opportunity to showcase their work in a professionally staged production at the end of the program, Process and project documentation.
The Sunflower Project – Photo by Iy Cardona.
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The Sunflower Project invites you to participate in “celebrating the strength, creativity, and resilience of survivors as they demand to be heard. Together, we can build a world where survivors’ voices are valued, validated, and amplified.”
Applications will be accepted until March 28th 2025 at 11:45pm PST.
Click HERE to contact us with questions.
Submit your application HERE.
For more information about the Sunflower Project and Leah Zeiger, please visit their website.
Written and compiled by Jeff Slayton for LA Dance Chronicle from The Sunflower Project press release.
Featured image: The Sunflower Project – Photo by Iy Cardona.
