We bought the land. Now what?
Around this time last year, I successfully launched a fundraiser to purchase a plot of land in Carapichaima, Trinidad and Tobago, with the intention of establishing an artist residency. Collectively, we raised more than $50,000. You can read more about that effort on the original GFM and here. Now that the ink is dry on the deed, I am ready to begin another round of fundraising to start the design and building process. a small place will be built with sustainability as its north star. Responding directly to the land on which it is built, a small place will feature 4 live/work studios, a public gathering space, a library, and a courtyard. Furthermore, the building will be partially off-grid, powered by a small field of solar panels. In collaboration with the architecture firm Ackee Workshop, and the guidance of the regenerative living collective One Regeneration, we intend to use a hybrid of conventional and natural building techniques, partially employing the use of handmade earthen bricks and walls.
The ask
This process is more costly than the land itself. I am seeking to raise $100,000 over the course of this scholastic year (September 2025-September 2026) for this first stage in the design and building process. Between 2025 and 2029, I will run three more fundraisers for the balance of the construction and finishing costs. This initial goal of $100,000 will cover design fees and preliminary construction materials.
How else can I help?
Before you commit to helping, please understand that giving will not make you a shareholder in the classical sense. This is your residency as much as it is mine, but I am aiming to make this as autonomous as possible within this capitalist hellscape.
- Donate: any amount is greatly appreciated, and small contributions add up! Please consider making a monthly recurring donation if it is within your means. Working this into your monthly budget could have a massive impact.
- Spread the word: share the GFM link with your network. The more people know, the greater the reach!
- Volunteer to help organize and manage programs and events.
- Volunteer to be an ambassador for this fundraiser by sharing/reposting at pre-determined times.
- Volunteer to be a part of our strategy team, especially if you have experience with grassroots fundraising or development. Otherwise, all are welcome, no prior experience required.
- Join the street team! Help design, print and distribute print media for promotion in your city/country.
- If you’re an artist, feel free to independently organize sales of your work to benefit this endeavour.
- If you’re a poet/writer, let us know if you’d be open to doing a ticketed reading alongside your peers.
- If you’re a filmmaker, let us know if you’d be open to a ticketed screening of your work.
- If you provide a service (tattooing, astrological readings, copyediting, plant medicine consultations, consulting in general), let us know if you’d like to offer your services.
- If you have access to a venue that can host any of these initiatives, please connect us!
Your contribution will play a crucial role in helping artists connect, collaborate, and cultivate their practice within a supportive framework.
If you are interested in volunteering to be part of the brick-making process once we’re further along, please reach out to me at kearrangopee[@]gmail.com.
Together, we will clear a path <3
The mock-up of the residency was designed by Noa Hines and initially published in Forgotten Lands.
Organizer
