A true game-changer for sustainability, this unique "Art" garden offers mass appeal by using music and art to unite the community. Read more
A true game-changer for sustainability, this unique "Art" garden offers mass appeal by using music and art to unite the community.
About this project
Welcome to a radical new way to unite communities and experience the arts! The Railyard Community Art Garden is a unique project for the community of Salt Lake City initiated by the non-profit group Artists for Local Agriculture and the Utah Arts Alliance. Being an "art" garden, it not only provides much needed space for members of the community to grow fresh organic food, but it uses the power of art to unite diverse crowds in support of a crucial cause.
The garden will be unique to Salt Lake, offering not only standard garden plots available to the public, but also incentive and opportunity for artists, whether it be wall art, sculptures, landscape art, gallery events, installations and more. There will also be regular events on the central stage by local musicians, theater groups, and informative workshops and classes about gardening and the arts. This is an exciting new way for the community to come together and share their talents, whatever they may be!
The A.F.L.A. group, Artists for Local Agriculture, was founded by long-time musician and activist Michael Cundick in 2011. Armed with experienced pro-bono support and the influence of a large network of supporting gardeners, musicians and artists, A.F.L.A. has been very effective at igniting the artistic community and advocating for local farmers. The Railyard Community Art Garden is their most ambitious project yet and with the land space secured from the Utah Arts Alliance they are ready to breathe new life into downtown Salt Lake City!
The Utah Arts Alliance (UAA) is a long standing organization that aims to foster the arts in ALL forms in order to create an aware, empowered, and connected community. Executive Director Derek Dyer was happy to add the art of gardening to the list of the many organizations it supports. The garden will be located on the grounds of the UAA's newest project the Salt Lake Arts Hub that houses 35 artist studios, office space for arts non-profits, dance studios, an events center, with over 33,000 sq. ft. of building space, and more. It is a perfect compliment for this unique community art garden.
After months of planning the project is ready to launch and needs your help to really get off the ground. Countless volunteer hours have gone into it already and the design has been finalized. We need your help to get the supplies to make this project a reality. If you are interested in donating time and elbow grease please message us. Help make this an outstanding success! The plans are laid, the experience is present, the paintbrushes are dipped, guitars are all tuned, and the volunteers are ready.... Let's do this thing!
Help us turn this...
Into an inspiring and sustainable labor of love!
Risks and challenges
There are always concerns and challenges associated with starting a community garden such as burst irrigation systems, improper zoning, not enough community interest, poor management. It's definitely not an easy task, but we have ensured every step of the way that we are well equipped to handle this! The partnership with the Utah Arts Alliance ensures that there will never be a zoning issue, and everything else can be solved with elbow grease and knowledge (and funds which is why we need you!). So you know more about our expertise, we have been working closely with Wasatch Community Gardens, a local non-profit established in 1989. WCG provides expertise and assistance to many community gardens in Utah through their Community Garden Network Program. Also our indispensable operations manager, Carissa Gardner, is a long time gardener and has just graduated from Wasatch Community Gardens "Growing Community Gardens" nine week course. She is very excited to get to work! We also have the full support and backing of Slow Food Utah (slowfoodutah.org) as well as a great network of local farmers who are glad to give advice and lend a hand! The website for the garden directly is http://railyardcommunityartgarden.wordpress.com/
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Rewards
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Pledge $5 or more
11 backers
A warm fuzzy feeling and a way to start growing! Get a signed thank you letter from the crew here at Artists for Local Agriculture, and a packet of heirloom organic seeds.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $15 or more
15 backers
Let's get the message out there! Level 1 reward plus a "street team" pack of different stickers and pins. You'll also get a masterpiece of original art by an elementary school student who is being taught about the importance of growing fresh food.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $25 or more
13 backers
Reduce Reuse and Recycle! Dive into the cause and get your very own tote bag with a custom A.F.L.A. logo designed by a local supporting artist. You'll be earth friendly, shop in style and get all previous rewards. We can't do this without you!
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $45 or more
5 backers
There's nothing more punk rock than cutting ties with as much corporate agriculture as possible. Let's get you serious about spreading the word by cladding you in a limited edition A.F.L.A. t-shirt on top of all previous levels. Do some research and when people ask you what your shirt is all about, take a stand and inform them!
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $100 or more
8 backers Limited (42 left of 50)
Welcome, Bronze Garden V.I.P.! You'll love this reward, but remember, you are now representing the ideals of the garden and it's important to know the ins and outs of sustainable, organic, locally produced food! At this level, you still receive all previous benefits, but you're also going to get the credit you deserve by getting a small sized plaque engraved with your name to be displayed on the garden's wall of fame. ALSO, free entrance +1 guest to at least two A.F.L.A. events this year. (but probably more because we are already going to be so happy to have you as a V.I.P. supporter!)
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $150 or more
0 backers Limited (50 left of 50)
Silver Garden V.I.P.!!! Now you're getting art and it's getting serious... With your support you will be helping hundreds of members of the community get educated and involved in a cause that is critical for our health and environment! Receive rewards from level #4 down and get a big ol' upgrade from level #5... Now it's a MEDIUM sized plaque (instead of small) with room for your name AND an appropriate graphic of your choice that will be displayed on the wall of fame! BUT the best part is, you'll receive one of only 50 rare A.F.L.A. fine art prints that are signed and numbered and have been donated to us by supporting local artists. Plus you and a friend will have free access to ALL A.F.L.A. associated events thrown in 2013.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $225 or more
0 backers Limited (5 left of 5)
You have now become a financially sound commodity... Gold Garden V.I.P.!!!! Your generosity will be legendary and since you are now a king or queen of sustainability you have earned your exclusive LARGE plaque for the wall of fame with lots of room for text and graphic (forgetta 'bout the small and medium!). MORE importantly, you will be granted the stewardship of a standard plot in the community garden (4'x8') which you can work yourself or have us maintain and donate to a non-profit that's aligned with our cause. Also you'll receive a one of a kind fine art print (from reward #6 while supplies last), V.I.P. benefits, and reward levels #4 on down.
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $375 or more
0 backers Limited (2 left of 2)
You reached Platinum Garden V.I.P.! You have become proof that the world is heading in a positive direction in a time of great need. You will get TWO standard plots (instead of one) that we will maintain and donate in your honor, AND you will also get one of our coolest rewards! One of two completely unique long-boards with intricate A.F.L.A. logos. Perfect for riding (after adding hardware), or displaying on your wall! These boards are gorgeous and with two plots think of all the delicious heirloom tomatoes that will grow because of you this Summer! Includes rewards from levels #4 on down, V.I.P. benefits, and a one of a kind fine art print (while supplies last).
Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world -
Pledge $500 or more
0 backers Limited (1 left of 1)
At this level you know you already mean the world to us and the people who will be inspired by this project, but you still have got to choose between "the Curator" level or this delicious "Connoisseur V.I.P." level. For the true local foods lover this one is a no brainer. You will receive a four course dinner for four from a prestigious gourmet chef who supports A.F.L.A. This meal can be prepared and served in a private setting of your choice, or we can arrange a public location in the salt lake or Utah county areas if you desire. The meal will be comprised almost entirely from local ingredients, and dietary restrictions will be accommodated. This reward can be used at any time all the way until December 31st, 2013. We graciously request a two week notice before planning your evening. Full V.I.P. benefits, two plots for charity, and all the rewards from levels #4 on down are still included! You're gonna love seeing this garden come to artistic life and with the quality of the meal and rewards you'll receive, the Platinum V.I.P. Connoisseur is our favorite choice!
Estimated delivery: -
Pledge $500 or more
0 backers Limited (5 left of 5)
This level grants you sorcerer king powers among the A.F.L.A. ranks, but it also has a serious question for you. Will you use your powers as a VIP Curator or a VIP Connoisseur? On this level, "The Curator", you'll receive your choice of one of 10+ ORIGINAL art pieces, framed and signed by the A.F.L.A. supporting artist. Full V.I.P. benefits, two plots (Can be donated to charity,) and all the rewards from levels #4 on down still included! Decide carefully between this level and the next. You'll only get to choose one but
either way... we will all keep you in our thoughts before bed every night for your support while we work the gadren :)Estimated delivery:Ships anywhere in the world
Funding period
- (37 days)