Love Thy Community II: The Laundromat Project

 Nestled in the heart of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, The Laundromat Project (LP) is more than just an arts organization, it's a movement. Founded by visionary artist and advocate Risë Wilson, LP was built on the powerful belief that art can be a transformative and accessible tool, especially within communities of color.

What began as a bold idea to bring creativity into everyday neighborhood spaces like laundromats has grown into a thriving hub for cultural celebration, community connection, and social impact. Today, LP’s headquarters sits at the core of the Bed-Stuy community, radiating joy, storytelling, and resilience through dynamic programming and artistic collaborations.

LP’s impact is evident in initiatives such as the Fulton Street Window Commission, which transforms public windows into platforms for local art; the Liberation Series, a set of conversations and gatherings that center healing and justice; and the Create Change program, which provides intensive professional development for artists committed to social engagement. Through these efforts, LP amplifies the voices of artists while fostering intergenerational learning and community empowerment.

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Ayesha Williams, Executive Director of The Laundromat Project, along with members of her dedicated team and past Create Change artists-in-residence. What emerged was a heartfelt conversation about LP’s mission and the deep impact it has had on their creative practices and the communities they serve.

As LP continues to grow, it remains grounded in its original purpose to build community through creativity and to make art a shared, everyday experience. For more information and ways to support, please visit their website at https://laundromatproject.org.

Executive Director Ayesha Williams’ career has focused on the arts. She holds a master’s degree in visual arts administration from NYU and prior to joining the Laundromat Project nine years ago, she was Visual Arts Manager at Lincoln Center and an art gallery director. She says, “Our work amplifies the power of community through art and creativity with sustainability at its core. We believe that art and culture thrive on the strong financial well-being of artists and communities, preserving cultural legacies and ensuring future generations can access and build on these resources.”

“The Laundromat Project taught me to create and engage with communities emphasizing listening and learning as a key to leadership. My South Bronx fellowship highlighted the value of shared cultural communities deepening connections to identity and artistry. Being part of The LP fosters growth by encouraging learning and exchange among diverse artists.” 

Ari Melenciano, Artist

Artist Wéme Ragophala shares how The Laundromat Project has empowered listening, reflection, and amplification of the rich stories of Bed-Stuy. Rooted in family legacy since the 1940s, Wéme uses multidisciplinary art to spark Afrofuturist conversations and drive community change through LP’s support and networks.

The Laundromat Project’s holistic approach to self-care and balance has transformed the creative practice of artist and playwright Alicia Mitchell Foxworth. This residency has equipped Alicia to manage demands and maintain accountability while deepening a commitment to accessible community programming. Connecting with arts professionals and social justice leaders has expanded Alicia’s impact as both a playwright and community advocate, amplifying voices through meaningful storytelling.

“I will always cherish the impactful story circles for my project, We the News, which I began as an artist in residence at the Laundromat Project. As participants shared their stories and saw themselves reflected in others, their sense of belonging deepened. To me, this is one of art’s greatest gifts, finding ourselves and others and feeling part of a supportive network. The LP residency profoundly shaped my practice, especially in learning to enter and exit communities with responsibility and intention, a strategy I frequently returned to.”

 Lizania Cruz, Artist & Designer

LP is proud to have a board made up of artists and visionaries who embody their mission to cultivate a fellowship of artists, blending art and social justice to empower communities and sustain creativity.

Rau Giuliani, an artist and dedicated board member since 2016, deeply believes in the transformative power of the LP network. Rau has helped strengthen the connection between creativity and community impact, inspiring others to use art as a force for change.

Salvador Muñoz, who joined the board in 2018, is another powerful example of that mission in action. An artist whose work centers on community and belonging, Salvador created Yes Femme! - a dynamic series of events for queer femmes of color in Central Brooklyn.

“In 2022, I created the window mural Through Our Hands We Are Guided for The Laundromat Project reflecting Bed-Stuy's evolving community amid gentrification, guided by our elders, ancestors, and future generations. The LP's support of Black and Brown women is inspiring. My time there shaped my teaching approach, providing tools that help me guide my muralist students. For over 14 years, I've dedicated myself to social justice, witnessing my students blossom into artists and colleagues-a  journey I cherish.”

Jazmine Hayes, Artist & Performer