Our Boston-based Asian American artists with film, illustration, photography, sound art, poetry, and architecture backgrounds spent the summer collaborating with and learning from Chinatown residents. The artist-resident collective aimed to address one core question through their work: How might residents take ownership of Chinatown’s physical space in a way that preserves and fosters neighborhood identity? The results speak for themselves!

On August 23rd, we held the Residence Lab space activation with our partner, Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC). Visitors enjoyed interactive exhibits and other Residence Lab creations around the lot. A huge shout out to the residents and artists who made the evening so bright! These folks are the heart of Residence Lab and their collective visioning brought vibrancy to Chinatown’s Eastern border. Learn more about three ResLab artists—Katytarika Bartel, Crystal Bi, and Lily Xie—on ACDC’s blog!

Placemaking programs at the Pao Arts Center are neighborhood-centered processes. We believe that residents and artists hold the skills, assets, and perspectives to actualize their collective needs and dreams.

Thank you to ACDC and to our sponsors ArtPlaceAmerica, Barr Foundation, and Sasaki. Shout out to Tea Do - Boston for the drinks!

Residence Lab doesn’t end here! Celebrate the closing of Residence Lab during Experience Chinatown on September 28 from 1pm to 4pm.