Demand To Be Heard

Meet The 2026 Resident Artists!

Program Details:

The Sunflower Project invites you to apply to our Demand To Be Heard residency, supporting Los Angeles based performing artists who are survivors of gender-based violence, interpartner violence, domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

We encourage survivors from all backgrounds and experiences to embrace their creativity and participate in this transformative initiative. By sharing their art and stories, survivors not only empower themselves but also inspire others who may be on their own healing journey. The Demand To Be Heard residency will support artists in developing work to reflect their lived experience as a survivor, and will provide an opportunity for artists to show their work in a culminating production.

applications are now closed. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified next time applications are open!

- Twice monthly Body Memory Method workshops from The Sunflower Project’s founder Leah Zeiger
- 6 seminars and workshops from leading professionals in the fields of art and activism.
- A one-on-one mentor who provides individualized support throughout the residency; a pairing decided upon in tandem by The Sunflower Project, the mentor, and the artist.
- Administrative support tailored to what each artist needs to create what they dream, such as: fundraising, timeline creation, running auditions, sourcing additional artists (such as musical accompaniment or actors), connections to possible future producers or funders, and even set design and building.
- Cohort-style meetings to learn from and inspire one another.
- Unlimited one-on-one support from The Sunflower Project, both during and after the residency.
- An artist stipend and project budget.
- Production documentation.
If you identify as a practicing performing artist, a survivor of gender-based violence, and you are based in or near Los Angeles, you should apply! Artists of all performing arts backgrounds are encouraged to apply, regardless of the number of years you’ve been practicing.
This program is best suited for survivors who are no longer in an immediate crisis situation, and have a robust support network to offer strength and care throughout the residency.
Applications will be accepted until March 20th, 2026 at 11:45pm PST.
All applicants will be notified via email of their status by April 10th, 2026.
You can preview the application questions here. Applications are open in March yearly, so check back next year, or sign up for our newsletter to be notified of the next round.
Please email any questions to leah@towardsthesun.org

Our stories demand to be heard.

The vast majority of sexual assault and domestic violence cases go unreported and unheard due to fear of the abuser and of the public’s reaction.

Today, that ends.

Leah, the founder of The Sunflower Project, shared her story through her film “Untold”, other survivors have shared their work, as part of Demand to be Heard — and now it’s your turn.

Submit your work to the gallery

Gallery Submission Details:

Share your story with us in any way you feel comfortable: be it a written story, a video, a song, a painting, a picture, a play... we’re open to your creativity in ANY form.

We will protect your identity and respect your wishes, always. And your work will always be your work. Our intention is to create a shared (virtual + occasionally in person!) space where survivors can make their story and their art public with no barriers to entry, no submission fees, and no pressure!