True to our name, we want to give artists complete license to take risks and push the boundaries of their practice, allowing them to transform and change The Lab with each new project. To this end, we seek out artists who challenge conventional value systems and whose work is often underfunded as a result. This is part of an ongoing effort to empower artists to realize ambitious ideas and to invite the public in on that process.

There are two arts programs and services The Lab provides for our communities: 1) a living-wage-based artist commissioning program, and 2) over 80 singular music, dance, literary, film, and/or multidisciplinary performances annually. The Lab made a commitment in 2014 to model and implement new funding and distribution strategies for under-recognized artists and their work. Along with year-round multidisciplinary programs, The Lab commissions three ambitious art projects per year. Artists receive $15,000 – $150,000 each (as a stipend, or as a salary with health benefits) and the ability to revise every aspect of The Lab’s operations. We want to know how far they can take that inquiry and how much we can bend to make the project of art possible on every level.