What is The Big We?
The Big We is a social enterprise building resources and infrastructure for the cultural economy. We do this through creative placemaking, social entrepreneurship, and storytelling.
Join Historic Clayborn Temple + The Big We for a citywide celebration inspired by the legacy of the 1968 Sanitation Workers' Strike and rooted in the spirit of Historic Clayborn Temple, the heart of Memphis.
From joyful gatherings and storytelling to powerful conversations about Memphis' future, In This Place brings people together to connect, reflect, and celebrate who we are as a city!
Become our Artist in Residence!
Each year, The Big We selects an Artist-In-Residence to co-curate the In This Place season and lead one major creative project. In 2027, we return to our beginnings. The selected artist will write an updated script and produce a staged reading of Union: The Musical, originally created in 2018 to commemorate MLK50 and centered on the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike.
We welcome experienced and emerging playwrights who are ready to engage Memphis history with imagination, rigor, and community-centered storytelling.
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As the 2027 In This Place Artist-In-Residence, you will co-curate the season and lead one major creative project rooted in Memphis history.
You will write an updated script and produce a staged reading of Union: The Musical, originally created in 2018 to commemorate MLK50 and centered on the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike. This work will reintroduce the story to a new generation through bold, community-centered storytelling and artistic vision.
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The 2027 Artist-In-Residence will receive:
A living-wage stipend and housing to support your time and creative leadership
A dedicated project budget for materials, collaborators, and presentation
Access to community spaces, historical archives, and storytelling platforms
Training in The Big We core curriculum and connection to The Big We community
Professional visibility through The Big We’s communications and networks
The opportunity to shape a widely recognized cultural program rooted in Memphis history and collective power
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Are you looking to join our team as our Artist in Residence? Click here to fill out the brief form, and a team member will contact you soon! For any questions or concerns, contact our Director of Programs, Sameka Johnson, at sameka@thebigwe.com.
