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Todd Lanier Lester is an artist and works on the family farm in Tennessee. Over two decades he launched a series of three rights-focused, participatory works situated between visual media and performance methodology: Multiyear timeframes designated to investigate social themes, while colorful project names offer an umbrella under which artists and non-artists alike create rhizomatic responses unfettered by conceptual end dates. For 10 years freeDimensional (2003-12) urges a sea change in the artist residency sector by practicing artist shelter and evacuation placements, convening networks and coalitions of expert practice, and publishing lessons learned in immigration and cultural policy fora. For five years Lanchonete.org (2013-18) occupies a small bar on a denigrated yet swiftly gentrifying street in the center of São Paulo as nucleus for artist and urbanist residencies, community meals, open courses, concerts, murals, public health campaigns and a radio station. For two years Luv ’til it Hurts (2018-20) engages poz artists and allies from Egypt, Germany, France, Brazil, USA, Mauritius, Colombia, Poland, Taiwan and beyond to understand their local HIV-related stigmas and challenges, yielding an evolving group exhibition and activist soapbox that can be invited to other communities.
More recently Todd began writing on artist methodology, both reconsidering his own organic trajectory and researching those of others from whom he draws inspiration and affirmation. Besides writing, a new project is in the works. FARM/SCHOOL plays with time differently, suggesting its arrival–rather than completion–within 10 years.
Todd became a sticker artist–a.k.a. el mejor karate–whilst living in São Paulo. This ad hoc process continues to clarify the pseudonym or decoy-tendency in naming his previous artworks.
*PS, photo by Ajamu X.
The LUV game is a part of Luv 'til it Hurts. The idea is based on a game played around the world called Exquisite Corpse. It's a non-competitive game that can be played with only two people as well as a large group. The game is super easy. A new design or 'visual work' is made each time people play the game together. The LUV game simply offers an excuse to talk about HIV and stigma in a range of settings from museum to public space or even on the street. The game idea came up when I asked a young design team in Port Said (Egypt) to help me communicate the values and goals of Luv 'til it Hurts. The LUV game launched officially in Bogotá and Grenoble in late October; will have another run during São Paulo’s December 1st AIDS Walk, and will be available online the same day, World AIDS Day 2019.
A 23-year old designer, Saouf suggested the basic 'tile' form (within his interpretation of the Exquisite Corpse game) as a variable form that can be used individually--as a sticker on the back of a laptop in a busy Cairo cafe--in a recognizable way yet one that does not always 'scream' HIV. From the beginning, the making of the LUV game has been a multi-layered process of working with old friends*; incorporating new ideas from artists and others; as well as considering safety and wellness in relation to the yet urgent need for dialogue on HIV and stigma. Also by popularizing the overall design of the game and the individual tiles, we are enacting a branding strategy that 'gets ready' for the next phase of Luv 'til it Hurts ... and ultimately unearthing HIV-related stigmas! An old friend and senior designer, Adham Bakry developed the game idea. This is also important. Luv 'til it Hurts is asking people who may not encounter HIV in their daily lives to get involved. To become allies. While perhaps hard to see, it is one of the most rewarding parts of making LUV.
Watch Todd Lester's Queer City / Cidade Queer film.
TODD LANIER LESTER
lanier.lester@gmail.com
+1 917 952-4933
www.tllester.info
Leadership, research and artistic practice advancing cultural initiatives beyond expression,
generating institutional frameworks, safety, economic participation, and community agency.
SELECTED WRITING AND RESEARCH PROJECTS
“Interview With Sara Gadalla Gubara” South Parade, April 2026, An in-depth dialogue
exploring the artistic legacy, archival preservation, and diasporic resonance of one of Sudan’s
leading filmmakers, highlighting her work shaping national identity and historical consciousness.
Artist Safety Hosting: Guide to History, Ethics & Practice (2019) A field guide developed from
five years building a global artist refuge program in NYC; combining research, policy, and lived
practice. Currently in use by arts organizations, municipalities and other institutions.
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Luv ‘til it Hurts, Founder (2018–present) Designed transnational cultural initiative addressing
HIV-related stigma across Brazil, Egypt, Colombia, France, and the United States; continue to
provide strategic and artistic leadership. Developed game-based and participatory tools and
exhibition exploring privacy, vulnerability, and the politics of disclosure.
Associação Espaço Cultural Lanchonete, Founder & Director (2013–2018); Founded and led a
“right to the city” cultural platform in São Paulo’s historic center, operating as a neighborhood
lunch counter and public art initiative. In 2018, transitioned governance to community
leadership, establishing a durable model of participatory cultural infrastructure; continues to
advise on civic dialogue, community governance, and socially engaged artistic programming.
Global Arts Corps, Executive Director (2012–2013) Led strategic and operational development
of theatre-based transitional justice programs in South Africa, Cambodia, Northern Ireland, the
Western Balkans, and Canada, examining performance as a method of post-conflict dialogue.
freeDimensional, Founder & Executive Director (2005–2011); Advisor (2012–2026)
Founded international network of 400 arts organizations across 70 countries providing
emergency refuge for artists at risk, establishing ethical and logistical frameworks for cultural
safe haven. Continued global advisory work with artist residencies, supporting the development
of legal, ethical, and operational models for hosting artists in exile.
Reporters Without Borders, Communications Officer (2006–2007) Curated exhibitions and led
communications strategy focused on global journalist protection and freedom of expression.
Supported launch of US office for French organization.
International Rescue Committee-Sudan, Advocacy & Information Manager (2005) Designed
coalition-building and rights advocacy programs during the North–South peace process,
focusing on internally displaced communities.
FilmAid International, Katrina Relief Project Manager, (2005) Launched the organization’s first
natural disaster response program following Hurricane Katrina.
Film Festival Co-Founder, Rwanda Cinema Center (2004–2005) Co-founded a national film
festival and training program for emerging filmmakers in post-genocide Rwanda.
Additional roles include research and program appointments at the Dutch Refugee Council,
Vera List Center for Art & Politics, Center for Global Peace, and service as a U.S. Peace Corps
Volunteer in Cameroon.
FELLOWSHIPS & RESEARCH APPOINTMENTS
Fellow, Institute on Forced Migration, Refugee Studies Centre, University of Oxford (2007)
Fellow, Center for Migration & Refugee Studies, American University in Cairo (2008)
Fellow, Gerhart Center for Philanthropy & Civic Engagement, American Univ in Cairo (2008)
Senior Fellow, World Policy Institute (2007–2011)
Kathryn Davis Peace Fellow, Middlebury College (Portuguese Institute 2014; Arabic Institute ‘21)
Research Associate, Laboratório para Outros Urbanismos, University of São Paulo (2017)
Research Associate, Culturizing Sustainable Cities, University of Coimbra (2016)
HONORS & AFFILIATIONS
BMW Responsible Leaders Network (since 2015)
Waldzell Institute, Architect of the Future (2008)
EDUCATION
Master of Public Administration, Rutgers University (2002)
Diploma in Film Production, The New School (2004)
Bachelor of Science, Lipscomb University (1998)