With support from the California Arts Council, our proposal aims to empower marginalized communities through a culturally immersive playwright residency. The grant funds will be utilized exclusively within the U.S., focusing on the development of plays and stage readings following an ITM residency. Funds will support artists’ stipends, administrative costs, and travel within California. Our project centers on fostering collaboration between local artists and community members, prioritizing the voices of historically underrepresented groups. By creating inclusive spaces for artistic expression and cultural exchange, we seek to address social inequalities and promote healing and empowerment. Through ongoing evaluation and responsiveness to community needs, we aim to create a transformative and sustainable impact on California’s cultural landscape.