UCLA Activist-In-Residence - Application Closed | November 2nd | Activist-In-Residence Announced

The UCLA Activist-in-Residence program seeks to strengthen the infrastructure of social transformation by supporting local movement leaders, community organizers, and artists with university resources. Conceptualized as a sabbatical, the residency allows for time and space to reflect upon complex challenges, envision new campaigns and projects, and connect with university faculty, students, and staff. The UCLA Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy, the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, and cityLAB-UCLA are partnering to offer the UCLA Activist-in-Residence program.

It is our objective to “turn the university inside out” and invite artists, community organizers, and movement leaders to undertake power-shifting scholarship and pedagogy focused on social change. This program provides opportunities for activists to engage with the UCLA community to develop and strengthen their capabilities, work, and commitment towards social justice.

Goals:

  • Provide movement leaders, community organizers, and artists with the opportunity to undertake power-shifting scholarship, reflect upon complex challenges, and envision new campaigns and projects.

  • Build an inter-institutional space connecting UCLA to social movements and community organizations.

  • Encourage mutual learning and shared pedagogy between activists, students, and scholars that create new models of public scholarship and community engagement.

Learn more

The 2023 residency will take place from January through May 2023. Each activist will hold a part-time UCLA appointment, receive a gross salary of $7,500 over the five-month period, and may also receive up to $2,500 in research support in the form of reimbursement for allowable expenses through campus purchasing. In addition, activists will have shared office space and paid parking. This residency does not include benefits.

Four (4) activists for the 2023 UCLA Activist-in-Residence Program will be selected: two (2) for the UCLA Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy, one (1) for the UCLA Asian American Studies Center, one (1) for cityLAB-UCLA. Interested individuals may apply to only one of the fellowships.

Please direct questions regarding eligibility or application procedure to:

UCLA Activist-in-Residence at cityLAB-UCLA

cityLAB looks forward to welcoming our inaugural UCLA Activist-in-Residence. Activists will work on a self-directed project that engages spatial justice in the built environment. Preference will be given to activists whose work intersects with one of cityLAB's research themes (reimagining housing; inclusive public space; redressing spatial inequality) and/or creates a design or public arts intervention. The selected activist will be welcomed to contribute to cityLAB activities including seminars, workshops, site visits, exhibitions and jury reviews, ongoing projects, and team social events. This residency is made possible by the UCLA Public Impact Research Award, and is based in the Architecture & Urban Design Department.

Application Details

2023 applications open October 3rd and close November 2nd. Activists will be asked to provide basic information including a resume/CV and contact information for three references, a 500 word personal statement, a 500 word plan of work, and visual reference material (eg, a portfolio). Apply today!



Project Type:    Engaging spatial justice in the built environment
Participants: 
UCLA Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy
UCLA Asian American Studies Center
View the full list of past Activists
Timeline:    2017-Present; cityLAB joined in 2022
Themes:    Reimagining Housing
Inclusive Public Space
Redressing Spatial Inequality
Design & Public Art Interventions
Status:    Applications Closed