<div><strong>We bought the land. Now what?</strong>
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<div>Two years ago, 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 <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-build-an-artist-residency-in-trinidad-and-tobago" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the original GFM</a> and <a href="https://newsday.co.tt/2025/02/02/artist-kearra-gopees-small-space-big-idea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. 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. In collaboration with the architecture firm <a href="https://ackeeworkshop.com/about-ackee-workshop-nurturing-delight-in-architecture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ackee Workshop</a>, and the guidance of the regenerative living collective <a href="https://www.oneregeneration.life/earthbuilding-immersion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">One Regeneration</a>, we intend to use a hybrid of conventional and natural building techniques, partially employing the use of handmade earthen bricks and walls.
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<div>One Regeneration will also oversee the construction of an outdoor studio/performance space primarily built from clay harvested from the land itself and two varieties of bamboo. In June 2026, we spent a week testing the soil and developing sketches of what this potential space would look and feel like.
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<div>The fundraiser is meant to cover the first phase of building this small outdoor structure. We intend to begin preparing the land for construction in November 2026 by preparing for laying the foundation, building a small toolshed and compost toilet, as well as the installation of utilities such as electricity and water. When we achieve this goal, the fundraiser will be updated with the next goal for the following stage.
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<div><strong>How else can I help?</strong>
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<div>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.
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<li>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.
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<li>Spread the word: share the GFM link with your network. The more people know, the greater the reach!
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<li>Volunteer to help organize and manage programs and events.
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<li>Volunteer to be an ambassador for this fundraiser by sharing/reposting at pre-determined times.
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<li>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.
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<li>Join the street team! Help design, print and distribute print media for promotion in your city/country.
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<li>If you’re an artist, feel free to independently organize sales of your work to benefit this endeavour.
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<li>If you’re a poet/writer, let us know if you’d be open to doing a ticketed reading alongside your peers.
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<li>If you’re a filmmaker, let us know if you’d be open to a ticketed screening of your work.
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<li>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.
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<li>If you have access to a venue that can host any of these initiatives, please connect us!
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<div>Your contribution will play a crucial role in helping artists connect, collaborate, and cultivate their practice within a supportive framework.
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<div>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.
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<div>Together, we will clear a path &lt;3
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<div>The mock-up of the residency was designed by <a href="https://noahines.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Noa Hines</a> and initially published in <a href="https://www.forgottenlandsart.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forgotten Lands</a>.
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Elliott J Brown Jr

Christopher Kojzar

Ariel Hart

Areca Wilson

Anonymous

Cathy Zimmerman

Tia Bannon

Richard Ross

Tarah Douglas

Tyler Glenn

Lani Hemmings Pallay

Brian Thaddeus Hunt

maya finoh

Jennifer Uribe

Help Construct an Artist Residency in Trinidad and Tobago

Help Construct an Artist Residency in Trinidad and Tobago

Still $18,632 to go. Help us build momentum.