Ontopo is an experimental platform where emerging artists explore new ways of creating through site-specific work, sound art, performance, and curated exhibitions. Founded to foster creativity and dialogue, Ontopo offers a transformative space for artistic growth and discovery, with a focus on amplifying underrepresented voices, including POC artists and Indigenous creators starting in 2025.
At the core of Ontopo’s programming is a commitment to unscripted modes of art-making, where experimentation and personal expression are central. The platform’s interdisciplinary approach allows artists to explore the interplay of storytelling, identity, and form, engaging with broader cultural and artistic currents. By curating opportunities for artists to work in unique environments, Ontopo encourages participants to think beyond traditional studio practices, emphasizing collaboration, process, and reflection.
Ontopo hosts a variety of events, from immersive retreats at sacred and historic sites—such as a Buddhist temple in upstate New York—to public performances and exhibitions in major art hubs like New York and Miami. These programs include site-specific installations, participatory sound art, and experimental music, with a special emphasis on ambient and drone soundscapes. Through these experiences, Ontopo connects emerging artists with audiences who are eager to engage with bold, innovative work.
For early-career artists, Ontopo provides a critical framework to expand their practices and share their creations with wider audiences. Each event evolves uniquely, shaped by the participants and the specific context of the site. At the same time, Ontopo honors the histories and cultural legacies of the spaces it inhabits, fostering a sense of respect and humility in all its endeavors.
As it grows, Ontopo remains dedicated to creating inclusive spaces for creative exploration while showcasing the best in contemporary art and sound from Hawai‘i, the Pacific, and beyond. Whether through intimate retreats, dynamic exhibitions, or collaborative performances, Ontopo offers a platform for emerging artists to challenge conventions, build meaningful connections, and reimagine the possibilities of art-making.
For more information, visit ontopo.net.
Learn More: http://www.ontopo.net