I was always told to make change, loads of change, as much change as I could muster, and make my mark on the world. Growing up in regional Australia during the 90’s recession, this seemed like a huge ask. A little how it feels right now - ammiright!? Yet, as it turns out, “change” is exactly the field in which I’ve ended up. I now find myself based in Asia, an accidental artistic director and curator of public art interventions with Micro Galleries and whole cohort of volunteer creatives who, for the past ten years have helped me perform a type of social acupuncture, using art as a vehicle for positive change, happily making no “big” change at all.

Instead, together, we harness creativity from across the world to help small communities who don’t have access to resources and creative expression the way most of us do.

We work with and within these communities to focus on how arts can be a conduit for solutions-based change and transformation on issues where these communities often don’t have the privilege to “opt-in” to creative expression, or be given the opportunity to be part of vital local and global conversations.

This is the cornerstone of Micro Galleries: that everyone deserves access to art, creative expression, and to be part of global and local conversations – particularly about issues which affect them first and foremost – such as climate change, displaced peoples and placemaking in urban areas.  

And, it’s working. I have personally witnessed the incredibly powerful effects of a global community coming together to effect small change in people’s daily lives through art. It’s simple change but it’s profound, important, and necessary.

But, you know what’s REALLY difficult about doing this? Ensuring that artists from the Global South can participate and have a voice. That’s why in our latest initiative, The Good Lab, we have ensured that over half of the creative participants are from the Global South.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT

Historically, opportunities in the arts have been disproportionately available to creatives from more privileged backgrounds or developed countries. Actively including creatives from the Global South breaks down systemic barriers to access and fosters equitable opportunities.

Many of us have been on those artist residencies or festivals where there is only a tiny percentage of Global South participants who were able to attract funding or have other privilege, and so can attend. The marginalised, especially in the Global South, rarely get a seat at this creative table. The Global South makes up nearly 85% of the world’s population. It is vital we elevate their presence, voice, and visibility.

We are actively working to change this representation, ensure diverse perspectives, and promote actual cross-cultural collaboration and knowledge-exchange. Particularly as the Global South are the first to experience many global issues like climate change, pollution, excessive and rapid urban development, and displaced peoples.

Enter The Good Lab—a two-week guerrilla artist residency x knowledge exchange x community engagement project that flips the script. We're tearing down barriers, throwing open the doors for South East Asian artists to dive into this vibrant exchange. And we need your help.

WHAT IS THE GOOD LAB?

Imagine this: Chiang Mai, Thailand – the city at the nexus of some of the world’s most significant issues that apply globally, bustling with artists from all over the world who come together for two electrifying weeks of creativity, culture, and community-powered action.

This isn't your average artist residency or program. We're diving deep into the heart of three global giants: Displaced People, Climate Change, and the urban landscape, it’s transition away from community and public space and drain on natural resources. But here's the twist—our focus isn't just to paint pretty pictures. We’re here to deep dive into these issues with the very communities experiencing them and generate micro imaginative, dynamic creative solutions.

The magic lies in our crew—over 20 international and local artists vibing together, soaking in Thai and Lanna culture like sponges. They're not just exchanging ideas; they're brewing up mind-blowing solutions! Think street art tackling traffic chaos, installations educating on and addressing climate change, murals mirroring the stories of displaced peoples, open-source designs to share with the world to address these issues. It’s art with a punch, art with purpose.

But why's this so important? How is any of this possible without the voices of the Global South present. It's about time, right? By levelling the playing field, we're making sure everyone's voice counts. It's about fairness, justice, and giving a megaphone to those who've been whispers in the creative conversation.

Now, here’s where the sparks really fly. We're not just creating; we’re igniting change. These artworks won't be hiding in galleries—they’re hitting the streets, online and being open-sourced; sharing stories, sparking conversations, providing free resources and opening eyes.

But wait, there's more! These mind-blowing creations won't stop in Chiang Mai. They'll return across the world, popping up in galleries, communities, social media, your house - igniting minds wherever they go. It’s the ongoing ripples that will make the real change.

By bringing diverse minds together, we're unlocking new ways of thinking, fostering understanding and solidarity across borders.

So, here's the deal: The Good Lab isn’t just an art residency—it’s a movement. It's your chance to be part of something bigger, to fuel a micro artistic revolution that speaks volumes where words fail. Join us, support us, and let’s create a world where art isn’t just beautiful—it's a force for change.

WHY DO WE NEED HELP AT ALL?

Micro Galleries is 100% volunteer-run. We work off project funding, philanthropy, and donations from communities who want to help other communities thrive. All our creatives donate their time and talent, as well as usually digging deep into their pockets to make things happen.

In this brave new post-COVID world, not only are the most vulnerable creatives amongst us at more of a financial disadvantage than before, but arts funding is more limited and restrictive than ever – particularly for international projects.

We think programs like this are more vital than ever, and with your help, will forge ahead despite these limited support opportunities.

RISKS AND CHALLENGES

Our primary obstacle is building strong community trust and a meaningful relationship where community and artists can work together to create new understandings, and artworks that make an impact. We want to make sure we don’t simply walk into a community, tell them stuff, then walk away. We want to ensure we have built a lasting relationship and that whatever knowledge and skills we build together, remain and continue on.

Our second challenge is any misunderstandings or unintentional disrespect toward local customs, traditions, or beliefs for either the host space (Chiang Mai) or visiting cultures.  To solve this we will educate participants about cultural norms, provide cultural sensitivity information, and encourage open dialogue. We have an incredible Creative Program Manager to help guide us all and to collaborate closely with local partners to ensure activities align with and respect local customs.

PRINTED ARTWORK FEATURES

Features:

• The 250 gsm/ 110lb paper is perfect for fine art, designed to last for years without losing its original beauty. Our matte paper is uncoated and natural white (off-white).
• With alkaline papermaking technology, this poster is acid-free, meaning the pH of the pulp that is used to form the paper is above 7 (neutral). The paper is also buffered with an alkaline reserve, such as calcium carbonate, to neutralize acid compounds absorbed from the atmosphere or formed through natural aging. This ensures that your poster will last many years without any yellowing or discoloration.
• Our poster is free from or low in OBA (optical brightener additives). This ensures that the natural white color of the paper remains consistent under different lighting conditions. In contrast, the color of papers that contain optical brighteners can shift depending on the light source. Additionally, the color of OBA-free paper remains more consistent over time so that you can enjoy the poster for years without any shifts.
• We use FSC-certified paper or equivalent certifications depending on regional availability. It’s better for the people and the planet.
• Each poster is shipped in robust packaging, ensuring it arrives safe and secure.

HOW WILL THE FUNDS BE USED

Money raised will be used to assist supporting our creatives from the Global South to attend (Philippines, Indonesia and Colombia). This money will assist in enabling their mobility to come to Chiang Mai from their home countries, and subsidise their accommodation costs. Micro Galleries will take care of the rest!

BREAKDOWN

Subsidise transport - 1,000 / Subsidise Accommodation – 600  / Subsidise meals – 400