Calibraska Arts Initiative, founded by former School of Film/Video faculty Erica Larsen-Dockray (Film/Video BFA 09, MFA 12), returns for its 2021 edition in a hybrid format, running from June 7 through July 30.
Calibraska was established in 2013 to build “community, culture, and educational exchanges” through the arts between Nebraskans and Californian (particularly Los Angeles-based) creative professionals and students. An initiative of the Arts with Others, the inclusive summer residency program focuses on connecting rural and/or underserved communities to access to “technology, cultural institutions, professional mentorship and resources to the creative industries.”
This year’s edition features 12 teaching artists, nine of whom are CalArtians:
- Zekkeraya El-magharbel (Film/Video BFA 17)
- Vanessa Sweet (Film/Video MFA 17)
- Ingo Raschka (Film/Video BFA 17)
- Cybele Moon (Theater MFA 11)
- Trevor Knapp Jones (Film/Video BFA 12)
- Aaron Holmes (Film/Video MFA 21)
- Jozben Barrett (Theater MFA 12)
- Kwesi Johnson (Film/Video MFA 13)
This year marks the first time Calibraska will utilize satellite sites in Nebraska, in which Larsen-Dockray has developed with partner Nebraska 4-H. Larsen-Dockray and El-magharbel will teach in-person animation courses. Students can attend the following in-person classes (those not near the locations will also be able to reserve spots on Zoom):
- June 7-18: Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts in Lincoln, Neb.
- June 21-July 2: Mid Plains Community College in North Platte, Neb.
- July 5-16: West Nebraska Arts Center and SHS in Scottsbluff, Neb.
Calibraska’s programming runs the gamut of creative subjects, ranging from animation, character design, acting, hip hop dance, CG modeling, and more. View the full list of classes.
“What once was a passion project teaching on family visits back home to Scottsbluff in the summer has turned into a full-time job and I couldn’t be happier,” noted Larsen-Dockray in the official release. “Having to adjust to the pandemic was tough last year, but this summer I’m really looking forward to returning to my hometown state as well as exploring new ways of teaching and connecting with more rural communities in Nebraska by offering classes with students both in person and being zoomed in.”
Registration is now open for the classes, which are available to students from age 7 to adults.