Multi-disciplinary artist Akiko Ostlund examines racism through puppet theatre from April 11 – May 9 as artist in residence at Lanesboro Arts

Artist in Residence Akiko Ostlund. Photo provided by artist.

Lanesboro, Minn. – Lanesboro Arts is proud to present multi-disciplinary artist Akiko Ostlund as she offers community puppet show workshops and works on a toy theatre piece examining racism as the Lanesboro Arts Artist in Residence from April 11 to May 9, 2022.

During her residency, Ostlund will workshop her work-in-progress toy theatre piece, Racist Hotline, centering on an imaginary live radio/podcast show. Through this comedic puppet piece, Ostlund hopes to examine how racism is normalized in daily life, and create a shared language with the audience in order to cultivate the culture that challenges oppressive systems.

Community members can meet Akiko and hear about her residency at a Welcome Potluck on Tuesday, April 12^th at 6:00 pm at the St. Mane Theatre Studio. Other opportunities to engage with the residency include a Multi-Media Storytelling Workshop (April 16^th  from 10-11:30 a.m. at the St. Mane Theatre), a Puppet-Making Workshop at Sylvan Brewing (April 24^th from 1-2:30 p.m. at Sylvan Brewing), and two separate Open Studio sessions with Akiko (Saturday, April 23^rd and 30^th from 10-11:30 a.m. at the St. Mane Theatre). Ostlund will also visit Lanesboro Public Schools, appear as a guest on a local podcast, and interact and meet the community in a variety of locations and opportunities around town. The residency will culminate in a Farewell Potluck and Work-in-Progress Puppet Show on Friday, May 6^th at 6:00 p.m. All are welcome to join for any of the free public events happening.

*Masks encouraged for all indoor events, except when eating.

(Lanesboro Arts)