BBAX is excited to launch a monthly community initiative “Creative and Mental Health LAB” in Santa Monica

 

LAB is a multilingual community gathering that offers a series of monthly gatherings to artists, creatives and art practitioners. All are welcome. LAB offers a casual, access-centered creative space for artists, creative community members, and art practitioners to connect, share work, share ideas, and meet. This is a space where we can all gather to discuss, learn, and enjoy each other’s company. LAB was born in February 2023 out of an overwhelming response to BBAX community workshops and events, as well as our writing and textile workshops organized July and August 2022.

 

"Creative and Mental Health LAB": 

• This is a space to simply hang out with other artists and creatives.

• You are welcome to come and go throughout the event.

• Meetings will be open. Participants can bring up topics, ask questions, share work or short performances - anything really.

• LAB curator and therapist Marisa Caichiolo will offer topics around art practices and mental health as needed, in addition to fostering a space that is as safe and accessible for everyone.

• Gatherings are framed as a space where artists can sign up to share their creative work, host conversations and/or share specific topics.

• Guests are welcome to bring light refreshments (water will be provided).

• Plan to bring one piece to discuss to ensure there is time for everyone to share.

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Register:

• Artists can register by emailing us at buildingbridgesax@gmail.com.

• Events will be offered once a month on Thursdays. Dates will be announced in advance at the start of each month via email.

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Join Us:

1. LAB is made possible through a suggested donation of $5 to $60. Donations will be accepted at each event. Any contribution will help BBAX stay afloat in these challenging times and make it possible for us to offer access to a nourishing community of multilingual creatives, from whom you will receive feedback, advice, and resources.

2. Come ready to share your art and ideas; all mediums are welcome. While English might be the main “carrier” language of LAB, you can share your artwork in any language and we will honor and learn from it.

3. Be kind, respectful, and mindful of others’ time and work. Only provide feedback when asked. Be clear about what you’re looking for: constructive editing feedback, publishing/exhibition advice, translation advice, a dialogue based on questions you have, resources on a certain topic, etc.

4. LAB seeks to become an inclusive, accessible, and empowering space for creative community members. We welcome feedback to better serve our creative community and make the lab more equitable. However, any oppressive comments, language, or behaviors (i.e. racist, misogynist, ableist, homophobic, transphobic, classist, ageist, xenophobic, etc.) will not be tolerated.