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BRACKISH ARTIST COLLECTIVE
BRACKISH ARTIST COLLECTIVE
Enlightening the public on local
water infrastructure through art.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The Brackish Arts Collective brings together a small group of artists from various mediums that are interested in expanding their understanding of issues facing our built environment and water infrastructure, through hands-on experience in the form of in-person visits to water infrastructure sites, coupled with group dialogue amongst fellow Brackish Collective members.
We believe that artists play a crucial role in any progressive movement by creating works of beauty that uplift, inspire and enlighten the public. Our goal is to deepen artists’ understanding of our city’s built water infrastructure and its issues, with the larger goal that this information will eventually reach the artists’ audience, community, and peers.
This program has 10 convenings over the course of 5 weeks, so please ensure that you are able to commit to the full duration of this program as we have limited capacity and high interest.
wHY bRACKISH?
We believe artists play an important role in movements for environmental and social change.
Artists have the ability to translate complex ideas, histories, and lived experiences into forms that can move, challenge, connect, and inspire people. Brackish creates space for artists to engage with issues that are often discussed through technical, academic, or policy-based frameworks and explore how those issues might be understood and communicated through creative practice.
Participants will have opportunities to learn from one another, engage with people working on water and climate issues, explore the relationship between infrastructure and community, and reflect on how these experiences might influence their own work.
Textile Installation Courtesy of the artist, Jazzmyne Cry.
cREATIVE rESPONSES
An important part of Brackish is the opportunity for artists to respond creatively to the knowledge and experiences encountered throughout the program.
Participants will be encouraged to consider how their artistic practices might interpret, translate, question, or respond to the themes explored through Brackish.
Creative responses may take many forms and may include writing, music, visual art, illustration, performance, film, photography, sound, storytelling, installation, or interdisciplinary practices.
Artists are not expected to arrive with a fully developed project. Brackish is intended to create the conditions for ideas to emerge through shared learning, dialogue, and experience.
Photo: Living Fountain by: Alexius Reign.
"I've done other types of residencies that I have travelled for, but never one local to NOLA. The strength of the program is bringing all of these people together that otherwise wouldn't have met."
- Madeline, Chort 2
cREATIVE rESPONSES
An important part of Brackish is the opportunity for artists to respond creatively to the knowledge and experiences encountered throughout the program.
Participants will be encouraged to consider how their artistic practices might interpret, translate, question, or respond to the themes explored through Brackish.
Creative responses may take many forms and may include writing, music, visual art, illustration, performance, film, photography, sound, storytelling, installation, or interdisciplinary practices.
Artists are not expected to arrive with a fully developed project. Brackish is intended to create the conditions for ideas to emerge through shared learning, dialogue, and experience.
Photo: Living Fountain by: Alexius Reign.
sALONS
Throughout the cohort, artists will participate in salons designed to foster conversation, reflection, and creative exchange.
The salons provide opportunities to process experiences, share perspectives across disciplines, discuss emerging ideas, and consider how the knowledge gained through Brackish might move into each artist's individual practice and community.
Testimonials
"I've done other types of residencies that I have travelled for, but never one local to NOLA. The strength of the program is bringing all of these people together that otherwise wouldn't have met."
- Madeline, Chort 2
Frequently asked
questions
What is the Brackish Artist Collective?
Brackish connects multidisciplinary artists with our complex relationship with water in Southeast Louisiana. It is a 5-week, program- and annual-program-centering ed learning, connection, and action created by the Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans. The Collective brings artists, creators, and cultural workers together to explore the intersections of water, climate, infrastructure, environmental justice, culture, and community through shared learning, conversation, experiential engagement, and creative response.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. We do not accept applications from anyone under 18, even with parental or guardian consent.
What will we learn about?
Brackish explores broad questions surrounding water, climate, infrastructure, environmental justice, community, history, and place. Participants will engage with knowledge and perspectives that can help illuminate the complex relationship between people, communities, landscapes, and water in New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana. Detailed program content and methodologies will be shared with participating artists through the Brackish Artist Information Packet.
Will I be expected to make artwork during the program?
Brackish encourages artists to consider creative responses to what they learn, but we do not expect artists to arrive with a predetermined project. The program creates space for artists to explore how knowledge, stories, conversations, and experiences encountered through Brackish might enter their existing practices or inspire new work.
Do I have to participate in the exhibition?
Participation expectations related to any public presentation or exhibition will be communicated clearly to artists as the opportunity develops. Artists will retain their individual creative voices, ownership and practices throughout the process.
How much time does Brackish require?
Brackish is a multi-week commitment involving a combination of artist gatherings, experiential learning, excursions, and opportunities for creative reflection. Applicants should be prepared to participate consistently throughout the cohort. Attendance at a minimum of five of the six excursions is required.
Why aren't all program details listed in the open call?
Brackish includes a carefully developed programmatic framework, community relationships, site-based learning opportunities, and other elements that are intentionally shared with participating artists rather than published publicly. The open call provides enough information for artists to determine whether Brackish is a good fit for them. More detailed information is provided through the Brackish Artist Information Packet at the appropriate stage of the application and participation process.
Will Brackish document the program?
The Water Collaborative may document portions of the program through photography, video, audio, or other media for purposes such as program documentation, education, reporting, and promotion. Specific documentation and usage policies will be provided to participating artists.
What if I cannot attend all of the program dates?
Because Brackish has limited capacity and often maintains a waiting list, applicants should apply only if they can make a meaningful commitment to the program. A minimum of five of the six excursions is required. If you have concerns about your availability or participation, the Brackish team at collabrative@nolawater.org before submitting your application.
How are artists selected?
We seek a cohort that reflects a range of artistic disciplines, perspectives, experiences, and creative practices. Selection will consider the applicant's creative practice, curiosity, relationship to community and place, interest in Brackish's themes, and ability to meaningfully engage with a collaborative cohort.
Who is Brackish For?
Brackish is for artists and cultural workers working across disciplines who are curious about the environmental and climate challenges affecting Louisiana and interested in connecting those issues to their creative practices and communities. Artists may work in music, writing, visual art, illustration, film, performance, storytelling, cultural work, or other interdisciplinary practices. You do not need to identify as an environmental artist or have previous experience working on climate issues.
Do I need to have a project idea before applying?
No. We are not looking for applicants with fully developed projects. We are interested in artists who are curious, engaged, open to learning, and interested in exploring how new knowledge and experiences might influence their creative practice.
What are Salons?
Salons are opportunities for members of the Collective to gather, reflect, exchange ideas, and process what they are learning. Salons create space for interdisciplinary dialogue and may include facilitated conversations, presentations, reflection, creative exercises, and discussion of emerging ideas.
What does creative response mean?
Creative response may take the form of a poem, song, performance, photograph, illustration, film, installation, essay, sound work, visual artwork, or another form of creative expression. The emphasis is on interpretation and response, rather than prescribing a particular medium or outcome.
Will there be an exhibition?
There is potential for the cohort to culminate in a public-facing creative presentation or outdoor, site-based exhibition. The specific format, location, participating artists, and scope will develop during the program and will depend on a number of creative, logistical, and organizational considerations. Additional information about potential exhibition opportunities will be provided to participating artists.
When is Cohort 4?
Cohort 4 takes place in 2027, beginning February 23 and continuing through March 30, every Tuesday from 5 PM to 8 PM and Thursday, 9 AM to 4 PM, with additional program activity scheduled for April 1. Programming is conducted in person only, and unfortunately, there are no options for virtual participation, which takes away from the values and experience of the program. Specific scheduling information will be provided to selected participating artists.
Will my artwork remain mine?
Yes. Artists retain ownership of their original creative work unless a separate written agreement states otherwise. Any permissions related to exhibition, documentation, reproduction, publicity, or use of an artist's work should be clearly communicated and agreed upon separately.Yes. Artists retain ownership of their original creative work unless a separate written agreement states otherwise. Any permissions related to exhibition, documentation, reproduction, publicity, or use of an artist's work should be clearly communicated and agreed upon separately.
Is Brackish Paid?
Brackish is not a paid program, although the program covers food, transportation, and any costs incurred. That said, TWC has annual programming that offers compensation opportunities. Additionally, we support artists with grant applications and fiscal sponsorship.
What if I have accessibility or participation needs?
We encourage applicants to communicate any access needs or circumstances that may affect their participation. Our goal is to create a program environment in which artists can participate meaningfully and safely.
Do I need to be an artist based in New Orleans?
While Brackish is rooted in New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana, applicants from anywhere in the world are encouraged to apply. Artists should have a meaningful interest in engaging with the Southeastern Louisiana region and its communities and must be available to commit to the 6-week residency program period. Lodging and transportation are not covered, but we are more than happy to connect you with resources if needed.
Frequently asked
questions
What is the Brackish Artist Collective?
Brackish connects multidisciplinary artists with our complex relationship with water in Southeast Louisiana. It is a 5-week, program- and annual-program-centering ed learning, connection, and action created by the Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans. The Collective brings artists, creators, and cultural workers together to explore the intersections of water, climate, infrastructure, environmental justice, culture, and community through shared learning, conversation, experiential engagement, and creative response.
Who is Brackish For?
Brackish is for artists and cultural workers working across disciplines who are curious about the environmental and climate challenges affecting Louisiana and interested in connecting those issues to their creative practices and communities. Artists may work in music, writing, visual art, illustration, film, performance, storytelling, cultural work, or other interdisciplinary practices. You do not need to identify as an environmental artist or have previous experience working on climate issues.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. We do not accept applications from anyone under 18, even with parental or guardian consent.
Do I need to have a project idea before applying?
No. We are not looking for applicants with fully developed projects. We are interested in artists who are curious, engaged, open to learning, and interested in exploring how new knowledge and experiences might influence their creative practice.
What will we learn about?
Brackish explores broad questions surrounding water, climate, infrastructure, environmental justice, community, history, and place. Participants will engage with knowledge and perspectives that can help illuminate the complex relationship between people, communities, landscapes, and water in New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana. Detailed program content and methodologies will be shared with participating artists through the Brackish Artist Information Packet.
What are Salons?
Salons are opportunities for members of the Collective to gather, reflect, exchange ideas, and process what they are learning. Salons create space for interdisciplinary dialogue and may include facilitated conversations, presentations, reflection, creative exercises, and discussion of emerging ideas.
Will I be expected to make artwork during the program?
Brackish encourages artists to consider creative responses to what they learn, but we do not expect artists to arrive with a predetermined project. The program creates space for artists to explore how knowledge, stories, conversations, and experiences encountered through Brackish might enter their existing practices or inspire new work.
What does creative response mean?
Creative response may take the form of a poem, song, performance, photograph, illustration, film, installation, essay, sound work, visual artwork, or another form of creative expression. The emphasis is on interpretation and response, rather than prescribing a particular medium or outcome.
Will Brackish document the program?
The Water Collaborative may document portions of the program through photography, video, audio, or other media for purposes such as program documentation, education, reporting, and promotion. Specific documentation and usage policies will be provided to participating artists.
COHORT 3 - 2026
Genesis Crespo
Genesis Crespo
Sarah Singh
Sarah Singh
Avery Temple
Avery Temple
Edward Buckles
Edward Buckles
COHORT 2 - 2025
COHORT 1 - 2023
Nesby Phips
Nesby Phips
Evan McNulty
Evan McNulty
Kyle Ohslson
Kyle Ohslson
Cierra Chenier
Cierra Chenier
Joshua Smith
