Joy Project

Project: Johnson-Rivera Joy Project Residency
Location: Johnson-Rivera (JR) House, 900 Oakland Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Project Start Date: 07/1/2024
Project End Date: 08/19/2024
Compensation ($): $1000 stipend
Room & Board Included: Yes

Position Title: Artistic Resident

Application Deadline: 05/15/2024 and then on a rolling basis until program is full
Application: Google Form

Position Duties:

Design and implementation of an outdoor garden space at Johnson-Rivera House (J-R)
Update and maintain a craft space/sewing room at Johnson-Rivera House
Completion of interior design tasks (painting the dining room, murals, etc.)
Further connecting with J-R’s neighboring houses and making connections with nearby ICC houses
Increasing awareness of J-R House as a safe space for QTBIPOC

Desired Skills/Experience:

Passion in artistic social justice and service-based art
Living in a cooperative!
- Understanding of co-op values, principles, and operations
Close experience with marginalized communities, namely the QTBIPoC community
Drive to create within inclusive, liberatory spaces
Willingness to use correct pronouns and names within this space

Budget for the project:

$1,000 stipends for up to six Joy Cohort members
$1,440 house charges ($120 for 6 Cohort members for two months)
$1,250 estimate to plant a new garden based on yard size
$200 paint costs for a mural, 2nd-floor hallway, and dining room
$150 Celebration Event costs
$225 for Sewing Lab fabric, thread/tools, storage shelf, and sewing desk
Total – $9,265

Brief Description of Organization:

We, the member-owners of the ICC, provide a home for students that equally embodies quality living, community and social equality, all within the cooperative movement. We continuously strive to maintain and improve our organization and our houses through shared work. We are committed to furthering our education by building life skills, a strong community, and personal relationships. We create and maintain a safe and affordable environment where our members feel comfortable and at home.

Type of Organization: Off-Campus Student Housing
Website: https://www.icc.coop/
Number of Members: 560
Number of Staff: 14

Brief Description of Rivera House:

The idea for this house is inspired by the work of Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson towards Queer liberation and providing a home for Queer young people. Rivera house is a response to the unique challenges we see faced by Queer and Trans People of Color in the Ann Arbor area trying to find housing and community spaces where we feel we belong. While the house’s goal is to create and maintain space for these needs and experiences, Rivera house is open to anyone who would like to live there.

Type of House: QTBIPoC Safe/Brave Space
Number of Members:

Benefits of Project/Skills Development & Learning:

Free housing and food for the entirety of the residency
Fully furnished single room (bed, desk, dresser)
Shared common spaces (industrial kitchen, large living rooms, garden space, porch)
Exposure, networking opportunities, or the chance to showcase your work to a new audience
Boost your resume!
Letter of recommendation for future work and programs