Sieng Lee He/Him https://tinyurl.com/3h3w3wrk sienglee08@gmail.com Graphic Design, Sculpture/Installation, Interdisciplinary In-person, Online, Hybrid mentor BIO Sieng Lee is an artist first, followed by his work as a graphic designer, community organizer, and political consultant. As a Hmong American refugee who arrived in the United States in 1991 at the age of three, Sieng grapples with the intersection of his dual identity. He is inspired to create artwork that occupies a space between conflicting cultures. His initial focus on community-centered artmaking led him to a career in grassroots political organizing, where he has emerged as a leader. Dedicated to community engagement, and increasing voter participation in elections, Sieng has helped numerous candidates of color, transforming the political landscape in Minnesota. Through his efforts, Sieng has been able to leverage his relationships to support fellow artists and arts organizations. Sieng has numerous awards including honors such as the Jerome and McKnight Fellowships, the MAEP at MIA, and other grants. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design and a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. Presently, Sieng is the National Field Director of Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote), the nation’s leading national nonpartisan organization whose mission is to engage, educate and empower Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to strengthen their voices and create impact. TEACHING PHILOSOPHY & MENTORSHIP I hold a strong conviction that artists possess the capacity to transcend their traditional roles as creators of objects and artifacts. It’s no longer possible for artists to remain passive or complicit when it comes to societal change. Instead, we have a vital role to play in connecting communities and new ideas through critical thinking and persistent agitation of systems. My approach to teaching is rooted in my own experiences, that artists possess a unique ability to create transformation in unexpected spaces. I enjoy mentoring because I’m dedicated to ensuring that artists not only grasp theoretical concepts, but also apply them effectively in real-world contexts. This, in turn, equips them with the essential skills to thrive beyond the confines of traditional educational institutions.