Downtown Hilo Art Residency Program (ARP)
The project would award residencies ranging from four (4) to sixteen (16) weeks to support international visiting visual artists, musicians, performers, and writers in the development of new work.
The Art Residency Program – Invited Scholars (ARP-IS) would be provided with support in exchange for community engagement that would be organized through the sponsoring University of Hawaii Hilo department program.
Community engagements might range from a free public lecture or presentation at the East Hawaii Cultural Center or Hilo Palace Theater. Outreach would specifically target the Department of Education in order to encourage/inspire/nurture interest from the elementary level upward in Culture and the Arts.
First priority of the project will be to provide research space for ARP-IS scholars; second priory will be to support ARP-Retreat (ARP-R) applicants.
The cost for ARP-R will be established at a rate that will allow the program to become a sustainable enhancement to the local economy.
The ‘Our Downtown Hilo’ campaign would help to target the development of underutilized properties within the EnVision Downtown Hilo 2025 impact zone; Downtown Hilo, and immediate surrounding areas that could be transformed into housing and studio work spaces, appropriately scaled and equipped to handle a range of studio, writing and performance art projects. This project will strengthen the University’s ties with Downtown Hilo by enhancing education, culture, and art opportunities in Downtown Hilo.
To help initiate this project, we would like to apply for the National Endowment for the Arts OUR TOWN grant. The deadline to submit is March 1, 2012.
What kind of artist work space does Hilo need the most? Artist work spaces differ according to an artists’ discipline. For example, sculptors need ground level space with concrete floors; musicians need a sound proof room; and writers need quiet work spaces. In general, a simple open 2nd floor space 1200 sq. ft. with high ceilings, north light, with access to running water, and the internet might provide optimal opportunity for studio development that could service a range of creative research work.
Do you know of any vacant or underutilized buildings in Downtown Hilo which could be designed and converted into work spaces for visiting artists within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and entertainment?
With your “like” we may be able to move forward.
EDH 2025 Primary Focus Area: Enhancing Education, Culture, and the Arts
Secondary Focus Area: Creating Economic Vitality
Submitted by Michael Marshall
December 24, 2011 (last changed March 24, 2012)
Top Comments
I love this idea but would encourage Michael to connect with Vicki Holt Takamine at the PA’I Foundation to develop the potential in a way that honors the host cultures.
Aloha all,
Mahalo for organizing this idea, I would really like to see this move forward. I was doing some research on different avenues of tourism, and this idea reminds me of wellness tourism. This opportunity is almost like a retreat for artists to take a step out of their ordinary and flourish creativity.
best,
Katie
Aloha Mike
I am thrilled that you are taking the initiative to bring life to this much need collaboration between UH and Downtown Hilo. This is a great example of how strong communities are formed around a common goal and gives so much pleasure to those who live and work here. Please let me know I can help support this initiative.
Nidhi
Hi Michael,
We are certainly open to and excited about all possible partnerships and I’d love to talk about collaborating with Pahoa. DIA meetings are monthly board meetings and the next will be Jan. 25, which is also the General Membership Meeting when elections are held. Other than that we have several committees that might be a place for you to talk story “with DIA” . Maybe you and I should get together first and I can help hook you up or work with you directly.
Thanks -
Alice
Hello to all,
I feel the Hilo Residency Program is an excellent idea. As a former Hilo resident and UHH student, I feel this kind of program can really offer a tremendous value of education and inspiration. I also feel the joining of two programs to develop gardens and public art is a great idea.
Aloha, Donna
Aloha Kristine,
The idea for this project was spawned by a need to develop residency spaces to support drawing, painting, sculpture, other visual art media – as well as other Humanities disciplines including music and writing. As conceived, the Downtown Hilo Residency Project would be available for projects that support host cultures.
Spaces would be available for visiting artists and Humanities scholars from a broad range of cultures including Hawaiian and other Pacific Islands, Native American, African, European. The UH Hilo Art Department in a busy year would need approximately 60 days. The downtown Hilo project would provide opportunity for 365 days for “visiting” artists to apply for use of a residency space for a limited time 4 weeks to 4 months – to retreat; find a temporary haven to reflect and create new work.
Utilization of vacant spaces in downtown Hilo for this purpose would generate a very positive ripple effect culturally and economically.
The question as to who will manage these spaces is open for discussion.
For more information about the University of Hawaii Hilo, Art Department Visiting Artist Program please contact me at mdmarsha@hawaii.edu
I love this idea but would encourage Michael to connect with Vicki Holt Takamine at the PA’I Foundation to develop the potential in a way that honors the host cultures.
Aloha all,
Mahalo for organizing this idea, I would really like to see this move forward. I was doing some research on different avenues of tourism, and this idea reminds me of wellness tourism. This opportunity is almost like a retreat for artists to take a step out of their ordinary and flourish creativity.
best,
Katie
Hello Nidhi,
When we reach 60 “likes” we will be able to move on to the next phase of development. So, please spread word about this site and proposal. Mahalo
Aloha Mike
I am thrilled that you are taking the initiative to bring life to this much need collaboration between UH and Downtown Hilo. This is a great example of how strong communities are formed around a common goal and gives so much pleasure to those who live and work here. Please let me know I can help support this initiative.
Nidhi
Hello Christine,
The UHH Art Department since 1981 has regularly supported residency opportunities for visual artists in conjunction with UHH Campus Center Galllery exhibition presentations.
This afternoon we will welcome Oliver Jackson from Oakland, CA for an extended 6 week residency project .
http://www.facebook.com/uhhart
Next week, Wednesday January 18 on the UHH campus, UCB 127 from 6-8 Oliver is scheduled to give a talk – notes regarding “Collaborative Making” Hopefully you will be able to attend.
Let’s stay in touch.
Happy New Year Shannon,
The best thing at this point might be to continue to spread the word regarding this possibility. If we get enough “likes” we can move on to the feasibility study stage which would be great.
Appreciate your support and comments
Aloha Mike,
I am excited about the project. When I was an Art Student at UHH, it was always the highlight of the semester if we had a Visiting Artist. It gave me inspiration and a opportunity to see & meet important artists of our time. It will offer the community some great opportunities. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Mahalo,
Shannon L. Hickey
High Fire Hawaii, Gallery & Studio 808-935-8380
Hello Michael,
I am very interested in getting involved with an inter/national art residency program. I actually was obtaining information on how to start one myself but I would love to volunteer and make this happen.
I believe that Hilo is a perfect place for high art and a great opportunity for artists worldwide to visit the beautiful big island and allow them creative freedom in peaceful surroundings.
Please contact me whenever you are free. My phone number is 917-923-6949 email christineleetyler@yahoo.com.
I do look forward to hearing from you.
Christine Tyler
Hi Michael,
We are certainly open to and excited about all possible partnerships and I’d love to talk about collaborating with Pahoa. DIA meetings are monthly board meetings and the next will be Jan. 25, which is also the General Membership Meeting when elections are held. Other than that we have several committees that might be a place for you to talk story “with DIA” . Maybe you and I should get together first and I can help hook you up or work with you directly.
Thanks -
Alice
Hello to all,
I feel the Hilo Residency Program is an excellent idea. As a former Hilo resident and UHH student, I feel this kind of program can really offer a tremendous value of education and inspiration. I also feel the joining of two programs to develop gardens and public art is a great idea.
Aloha, Donna
Hello, Fellow Our Downtown Hilo Members,
I am impressed by the idea of this project and by the amazing opportunities that it is offering.
The realization of the project will sustain the relations between University of Hawaii at Hilo and Downtown Hilo by boosting education, culture, and art possibilities in our community.
The implementation of the project also will attract high level International Humanities Scholars and will greatly benefit our thriving and flourishing Hilo society.
Let it be!
With the spirit of Aloha,
Lilia
Hello Alice,
I just had a wonderful conversation with Robin Stetson who is helping to organize a Pahoa focused Our Town proposal. It would be great if we could realize an East Hawaii project that could effectively meld both visions. Let’s put our thinking caps on and swing for the fences! When is the next DIA meeting?
Aloha,
M.
Aloha Michael and MAHALO! Let me know how we can help.
Can we tie in Let’s Grow Hilo and install some garden/public art in Downtown? Our Chiko suggests art representing Hilo’s culture and history – like how about a rendition of the tsunami clock in the landscaping in front of the Pacific Tsunami Museum? Or hula dancers, pau riders, etc. for Merrie Monarch?
Thanks again -
Alice