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We tell stories and create because we are fighting for something. To be heard. To be seen. For our dignity. For our dreams. What we say, what we create, is part of who we are, it is a manifestation of identity. Our stories showcase our truth. Our truth is a torchlight. A flame we cultivate and carry with us to light our pathways and to fuel our pursuits.
Existing narratives surrounding autism, neurodivergence, and disability are mostly written by those who do not hold those identities, and many of those narratives perpetuate forms of oppression and harm on personal, interpersonal, institutional, and cultural levels.​ The Torchlight Residency is designed BY the Autistic / Neurodivergent / Disabled FOR the Autistic / Neurodivergent / Disabled AND strives to shift these narratives across ALL communities.
This is a cohort-based program that follows the passions of Autistic / Neurodivergent / Disabled artists. It forges an artistic journey towards justice, empowerment, accessibility, visibility, and self-advocacy.
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Residents come together under the guidance of Anchor Mentors and Guest Artists to develop their personal works and create a collaborative project. Together, mentors and residents move through a curriculum of disability justice, neurodiversity, and art as activism. They learn and discuss these themes as a group and use these conversations to deepen their work on the collaborative project. Personal work is self-directed and does not need to be tied to the theme of the collabortive project.
Throughout the program, residents will have the opportunity to learn and practice new techniques, receive feedback, make connections with established artists, and see ways they could center their passions and talents in their post-secondary pursuits. ​
FAQ
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Autistic/Neurodivergent/Disabled students who exhibit specific talent and passion for the arts. This is open to students enrolled in Durham Public School who are currently in the Occupational Course of Study or Extended Content Standards pathways, age 15 - 22. Occupational Course of Study students can receive internship hours that are a requirement for graduation.
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HOW AND WHEN DO I APPLY?
Applications for the 2025 Torchlight Residency are closed.
Applications are made available through classroom teachers, EC facilitators, and/or Job Coaches in the fall before each new cohort.
WHEN AND WHERE IS THE 2025 TORCHLIGHT RESIDENCY?
January 22nd through May 21st. This residency will culminate with a 3-week long gallery show, running from late May until mid-June. There will be one day time and one evening time Gallery Opening. Details to be released at a later date. This will take place at Perfect Lovers, a zero-commission gallery and pop up coffee shop in Durham. Residents will determine the ways in which this work will be shared.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE TORCHLIGHT RESIDENCY?
This program is free to residents and is grant and community supported.