Rural Performance Production Lab
(RPPL)

The Rural Performance / Production Lab (RPPL) is a creative production process and residency program which supports the development of new art rooted in southern and rural living, history, places, and bodies. Pronounced “ripple”, the intent is for artist voices to act as catalysts for broad community change. RPPL artists receive either direct funding or a configuration of an on-site residency with direct funding, mentorship and support from a dedicated team of advisors through the completion of the artists’ residency time. Awards range from $2500 – $15,000.

This opportunity is for artists living in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

“The RPPL residency program gives artists the time and space to develop their ideas and refine their artistic work,” said Brandi Turner, co-director of Sipp Culture. “There are very few opportunities like this for artists in the South and from rural areas, so we are so glad that we can support the RPPL Artists in this way.”

“The RPPL residency program is unique in its ability to provide artists with a home to lean into their creativity, dream up the many possibilities their creativity can support their purpose, build the work that is most important and relevant to them, and still find space to rest and restore,” said Carlton Turner, co-director of Sipp Culture.

Sipp Culture is able to provide housing, planning support, studio space and can participate as a partner and consultant in the realization of bringing new southern and rural stories to the field. Selected artists will receive a residency, which is tailor-made to fit their developmental needs. Residencies take place at the Sipp Culture Office and White Oak Artist Residency in Utica, Mississippi.

The RPPL program is best positioned to support artists transitioning from one place in their career trajectory into another self-defined place. This “transitional” label is a more apt fit than emerging or established, veteran artists, or the commissioning of new work. We are in a time that calls for change, both structural and intentional. Artists are built to adapt. Our residency program is designed to aid in that transition.

Our Community

Our community is grounded in the aesthetics of Southern rural culture bearers. Their imprint can be found on every community throughout the south in the forms of architecture, music, spiritual practices, cuisine, the movement of bodies, and in the verbal and spatial language of freedom. Our work uplifts stories to complicate prevailing rural narratives.

RPPL provides a limited number of full residencies, which provide three consecutive weeks of housing and retreat space for the artist to dream and manifest their work. Additionally, some artists that apply may be offered the opportunity to come for a week. Each RPPL residency covers travel and food costs, as well as fresh seasonal produce from the Sipp Culture Community Farm.