Mengxi “Althea” Rao

Mengxi “Althea” Rao calls herself a cultural facilitator. She creates social engagement models to facilitate open and playful conversations around topics that are traditionally associated with shame and negativity, such as inherited privilege, mental illness, gender and sexuality. Her works empower individuals and help them find reconciliation with their cultures and selves. Originally from China, Althea trained in journalism and film, holds an MFA from Temple University, and was most recently a Halcyon Arts Lab Social Impact Fellow in Washington DC, where her work was featured in the By The People festival. During her residency, Althea will work on a project that explores cross-generational pelvic health through the merging of cutting-edge technology, music, play and collaboration.