RAMP: Radical Art Making Progress

APPLY TO JOIN A NEW COHORT OF YOUNG CREATIVES 
SPEAK UP, BUILD COMMUNITY, TELL YOUR STORY 

Applications due: February 7, 2024

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URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity envisions a world where each of us can live, love, create families, express our gender, and enjoy sexuality with liberation, power, and joy and without stigma, scarcity, or interference. Young people are building this vision and leading the way to sexual and reproductive justice for all by organizing our peers, mobilizing our communities, and building a culture of civic engagement and leadership for a youth-driven agenda. As the only national reproductive justice organization that centers the voices and leadership of young people, URGE builds power with and for young people of color, young LGBTQ+ folks, and young people in the South and Midwest. Because in a country where young LGBTQ+ folks and young people of color have reproductive justice, everyone will have reproductive justice. 

Art is a powerful tool for social change. For too long, the narratives and expertise of young queer and trans folks of color across Ohio have been ignored. Together, we will build community and amplify our art, our voices, and our stories on reproductive justice, gender equity, and LGBTQ+ liberation. Will you join us? 

What Our Program Offers: 

Through RAMP: Radical Art Making Progress, young creatives will have the opportunity to gain skills in making art for a living, community organizing, and how to use art as a tool for civic engagement. The cohort will begin in the spring and include monthly virtual trainings and masterclasses with subject matter experts, occasional group outings, and regular mentorship from talented artists, creators, and leaders. Participants will be expected to individually produce a work of art that reflects their unique perspective on reproductive justice in the medium of their choice, as well as collectively work together to create a get out the vote (GOTV) art exhibition. The exhibition will showcase participant’s work while also educating attendees on the November election and encouraging them to vote. From March – November 2024, participants will be provided with a stipend of $150 per month to support their efforts. 

Participants will complete this program with a completed work of art, increased visibility in the dialogue around reproductive justice and art, concrete skills in using art for change, and the knowledge that they have helped call attention to issues important to them, their community, and Ohio. We hope that through this program, participants will also find a community of creatives who share their values and passion for social justice as they continue to build power and amplify their voices with URGE. 

Commitments:  

Participants will: 

  • Attend all mandatory training sessions and meetings throughout the program, including, but not limited to, the November 2024 GOTV art exhibition. 
  • Produce a work of art on a reproductive justice topic mutually agreed upon by URGE, mentor, and participants in the medium of their choosing. 
  • Meet monthly with their mentor to discuss their progress, success, and opportunities for growth. 
  • Coordinate with other cohort members, URGE staff, and mentors to host the November 2024 GOTV art exhibition.

Benefits:  

  • Up to $1,350 for participation March – November 2023 (paid $150 each month, contingent on fulfillment of program commitments).
  • Development of leadership skills that can be utilized within URGE for future opportunities to connect with the work after the cohort has concluded.
  • Participation in issue and community organizing training.
  • Building community with other participants. 
  • Art showcased before a large audience and receiving support with event planning. 
  • If accepted, applicants who are enrolled in college may also consult with their college or university to receive academic credit.

Qualifications:  

  • Participants should identify as a person of color and/or lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, nonbinary, genderqueer, queer, intersex, Two-Spirit, or otherwise part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Priority will be given to applicants who identify as both LGBTQIA+ and as a person of color. All participants must be between the ages of 18-25. 
  • Applications are open to folks who live or go to school in Ohio.
  • Demonstrated dedication to reproductive justice and other social justice issues.
  • Strong art skills.
  • A proven interest in creating, organizing, and/or exhibiting art.
  • Interest in engaging communities that are traditionally excluded from the political process and/or art scene.
  • Ability to commit to the full length of the program.
  • Able to commit an average of 4 hours a month to working on project, and 2 hours to live coursework to participate in the program.

To Apply:

By 11:59 PM EST on 02/07/2024, submit a completed application and 2 art samples, if available. Please reach out to ive@urge.org for any tech or accessibility assistance. Select candidates will be asked to do short telephone interviews. 

URGE is an equal-opportunity employer. People of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people, and those with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

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