The City of Sacramento in March will launch a new “Artists-in-Residence” (AIR) program. Nine local artists have been chosen to work with City staff and residents to co-design a residency at a public location in each City Council district.

The artists will work on-site with the community — holding workshops and events — and will be in residence for approximately six months. The goal of Sacramento AIR is to activate the City’s rich local community centers, community gardens — and the 28th and B Skate Park — with community driven art.

“Our Artists-in-Residence program is a great way to refocus our efforts on art deserts,” said Councilmember Steve Hansen, whose district includes Southside Park where one of the residencies will occur. “I am excited to see our neighborhoods connect with local artists like Sascha Molina to bring our spaces to life by collaborating with residents to create unique artistic experiences.”

Residencies will include instruction/workshops on drumming, spoken word, visual arts, hip hop, technology, environmental art, music and theater. The instruction will be designed for children, youth adults, and/or seniors, depending on the interests and needs of the community center. See a full list of chosen artists and locations here.

Taiko drummer Sascha Molina will be featured at the Southside Park Clubhouse. More details about her residency will be available soon.

“We are thrilled to be working in collaboration with Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment to activate our community spaces with inventive and memorable experiences,” said Melissa Cirone, arts program coordinator with the City’s Office of Arts and Culture. “We look forward to working closely with the artists and community to display the creativity of each council district.”

Each residency will conclude with an onsite celebratory event, which can take the form of a performance, exhibition, project unveiling or community festival. Stay tuned for those event details.

Sacramento AIR is a collaboration between the City’s Office of Arts and Culture (formerly Sacramento Metropolitan Arts) and the Department of Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment.