Sure, it’s a clever way to promote women and fashion and we guess that’s why Quiksilver is doing an interesting corporate buy-in with their “artist in residence” program at a space in Los Angeles’ trendy Silver Lake. The press release explains it:
To celebrate the introduction of its new collection for women, Quiksilver has selected six independent and creative young women to be Visionaries in Residence at Quiksilver’s siteLA, a communal work and exhibition space in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. . . The residency program is a year-long engagement for women working in and across creative cultural fields. Like sponsored athletes, their personal passions echo the Quiksilver spirit: progressive, creative and confident. Although they have been selected for their independent projects, they share a communal workspace and together create public programs and host special events at siteLA.
Quik has already run sponsoring attractive action models into the ground, why not throw some money to people who are getting cool shit done. We’re just wondering where the reality TV show is to go along with it? Follow the jump for all the details.
Los Angeles-Based Initiative Kicks Off Global Movement, Supports July Launch of New Women’s Collection
It’s the late night conversation around the big table, the tricky recipe that’s tested in the kitchen and shared with the world through siteLA.org, and all of the incredible art, music, film and ideas that these women will create, as individuals and as a group.
Silver Lake, CA (PRWEB) March 6, 2008 — To celebrate the introduction of its new collection for women, Quiksilver has selected six independent and creative young women to be Visionaries in Residence at Quiksilver’s siteLA, a communal work and exhibition space in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles.
The residency program is a year-long engagement for women working in and across creative cultural fields. Like sponsored athletes, their personal passions echo the Quiksilver spirit: progressive, creative and confident. Although they have been selected for their independent projects, they share a communal workspace and together create public programs and host special events at siteLA.
Much like the professional athletes whom Quiksilver is notorious for supporting, these women will benefit from Quiksilver’s vast network of resources and will have access to tangible and promotional assistance, as well as mentors and connectors who will help them pursue their passions and expose their personal projects.
“Over the last 30 years, Quiksilver has provided the tools for boardriders to do some pretty impressive things. We have always strived to be a source of support and inspiration,” said Steve Tully, President of Quiksilver Brands in the Americas. “Now, as we continue to expand our vision and grow our community, we want to use our resources to awaken the spirit of surfing in everyone. We hope that by enabling these radical women and exposing their impressive endeavors, others will be inspired to follow their vision by doing what they love.”
The six Visionaries in Residence are:
Beth Jones – Fashion blogger and aspiring entrepreneur opening up her own “Vintage Society” clothing shop.
Sara Anderson – Artist, performer and connector who inspires art for people of all ages, genders and economic backgrounds through collaborative drawing, video, dance and sound.
Dorothy Lee – Bicycling activist and safety advocate empowering women to safely cycle around Los Angeles.
Jesse Rodato – Architect, interior designer and humanitarian developing mobile playgrounds, skate parks and urban shelters for inner city youth.
Khrystyne Zurian – Automotive designer creating the interior and exterior of a concept vehicle that reflects the active, healthy and eco-friendly experience of independent and creative young women.
Pilar Dias – Talented singer and songwriter working on her solo project, a bilingual record that she is recording and promoting through siteLA.
Quiksilver’s siteLA, which was recently built out through a collaboration with Readymade Magazine (www.readymade.com), Modernica (www.modernica.net) and Built Inc. (www.builtinc.com), functions as a venue for creative programming and special events stemming from the six residents’ personal projects. Through exhibitions, performances and educational forums, the Visionaries in Residence will showcase their ongoing activities as artists, activists, entrepreneurs and designers. siteLA and its varied resources will also be available to community groups and educational institutions, including the Downtown Los Angeles architecture school SCI-Arc (www.sciarc.edu) and the progressive, youth-focused non-profit Global Inheritance (www.globalinheritance.org).
Although the Residents will ultimately customize the space according to their preferences and projects, some of the exciting features of the siteLA build-out include:
Bubble Lamps, Fiberglass Shell Chairs, a Tenon Table and Chairs as well as Case Study Day Beds and Storage Units provided by Modernica
A SIM2 C3XE HD 3 Chip DLP Projector and 12’ screen for the ultimate cinema experience (www.sim2.com)
The Gibson Music Lounge featuring a full backline of Gibson guitars, bases and amps (www.gibson.com)
A brand new JBL EON PA system for live music performances (www.jblpro.com)
A “Readymade” kitchen designed by architect Andrea Keller (www.berrykeller.com) and siteLA Resident Jesse Rodato
The “No Modesty Desk” built by Modular Dwellings’ Edgar Blazona (www.modulardwellings.com)
The floating stairway and mezzanine designed by John Sophio from Built Inc.
