BOUND IN JAPAN – Happy Hour Salon with Thien-Kieu Lam

BOUND IN JAPAN: Activism for Diversity & Intercultural Exchange

We learn from stories, and everyone has a story to share. Bound in Japan drew upon this simple idea to promote understanding and exchange among Japanese and non-Japanese residents in a society that is more diverse than the homogeneous image it projects. Through the experience of making art alongside each other, residents discovered stories both unique and familiar to their own histories while learning a new art form and reconnecting with their creativity.

During the summer and fall of 2011, over 50 Japanese and non-Japanese residents participated in eight Bound in Japan workshops conducted in Kagoshima, Kyoto, and Okayama. Their artwork was featured in two exhibitions, expanding the stories’ outreach to local communities.

Bound in Japan was produced by artist Thien-Kieu Lam, a Louisiana native who has lived in many places and considers all those places home, including Japan. Kieu believes that all people should have access to artistic experiences and that art can impact social change. She will discuss the inspiration and development of Bound in Japan as well as the challenges and outcomes of the project.

For more information contact info@press-street.com.  This program is the inaugural event of SIFT in partnership with Press Street’s Antenna Gallery. To find out more about SIFT and its mission, visit siftart.org.