HELP FUND BIPOC OWNED SUSTAINABLE ART FARM COMMUNE

Have you ever dreamed of starting a sustainable farm with the homies?!

In the fall of 2020, we collectively purchased 38 acres of land to create a sustainable farm and haven for artists. Now, we are fundraising $100,000 to get running water, electricity, farming infrastructure, tools and shelter at our property. This initial funding will give us a place to sleep, eat, and prepare food while we work on our bigger dreams for the property.

Who Are We?

Our names are Jason, Hannah, Free, and Kerr. Together we are the Association for the Advancement of Aware Arts and Action -- a BIPOC group of multi-disciplinary artists practicing mediums that range from photography to music to molecular biology. We are individuals who are not bound by the concepts of past or future, striving to build a sustainable relationship with the Earth and its inhabitants.

What Do We Want?

In practical terms, we want the resources and infrastructure to develop our land into a sustainable farm that serves people in our communities. We’re starting with the basics -- shelter, running water, electricity, machinery, tools, and equipment. The goal, in addition to starting the farm, is to establish a commune that can house and provide creative space to artists. We want to host events, classes, rituals, and provide shelter and work for people in need of a fresh start. We seek to establish psychologically healthy social landscapes, developing innovative architecture that values collective prosperity above all. Our aim is to create a place that we can be free to explore ourselves, our art, and the Earth. The 38 acres that we’ve purchased are the beginning of that freedom. We are inspired by Arcosanti, Black Mountain College, Drop City, and many other intentional communities of the past and present. We want our property to be a place of connection, creation, and education.

Linking up with farmers in the area for research and community development, Dec. 2020.

When Do We Want It By?

There is no finish line for a project like this; it will be a living and breathing dream that will grow and improve with us. In order to farm and yield crops this year, we need to have set up a rainwater harvesting system by monsoon season (late summer). In the short term, we would like to raise at least $100,000 by March 1st, which will allow us to get the preliminary infrastructure mentioned above as we continue to fund raise.

Where Is It?

The 38 acres is in southeastern Arizona. We acknowledge that this land was stolen from the Chiricahua Apache people by the American government. We have been researching the Land Back Movement to explore how we can return this land to the Chiricahua Apache, or contributing however the tribe sees fit. If you’re familiar with Land Back, or are connected to the Chiricahua Apache Tribe, the White Mountain Apache Reservation, or the San Carlos Apache Reservation, feel free to reach out!

From the day we first broke land on December 14, 2020 - we dug the beginnings of a small pond that will serve as the spiritual center of our property.

Why Are We Doing This?

Simply put: for the security of our futures and the futures of those we love. The pace of modern life has increased to a level that is unnatural and unsustainable. Developing this property is the first step for us to return to a more creative and natural life rhythm. As artists, we recognize that through building sanctuaries and sacred spaces, we can cultivate awareness that leads to constructive action. This project is bigger than the five of us; what we learn through this experience will be passed along to others who align with our vision. 

How Are We Doing It?

With your help to start. The goal of this GoFundMe is to give us a solid footing that we can start from. We’ve been consulting experts in farming to ensure we have the proper approach and tools to first begin cultivating crops. After the financial goal of this GoFundMe has been met, we’ll be in a position from which we can begin to generate our income through agriculture, hospitality, the arts, and event hosting. That income will be put back into our land to build more needed structures, artist studios, greenhouses, and so on. 

The Association for the Advancement of Aware Arts and Action. Shot by @derandl3 on IG.

Cost Breakdown (Total = $122,227)

Two 900 sq ft buildings for shelter/storage ($11,963 each)

Lumber for 30’x30’x8’ Structure - $5,613

Insulation - $998

Drywall - $371

Drywall compound - $26

Shop vacuum - $80

Rebar - $55

Cement mixer - $300

Cement - $50

Screws, brackets etc. - $50

Nail gun - $200

Generator - $800

Air compressor - $130

Paint and wood finishing supplies - $90

Metal roofing panels - $1200

Consulting Fees - $2,000

Total = $23,926

Cost of Well Drilling, Water Pump, Water Heater, Purifier, etc

Total = $10,500

4400W Solar Power System (with room to expand to 8800W)

Total = $20,000

Indoor Irrigation System

Gorilla Grow Set Up - $1,436.36

Planting Lighting - $145.75 each (X8)

Plumber’s Choice PEX Pipes - $83.38 (x10)

Total = $3,436.16

Greenhouses x4 (Total $19,972 ($4,993 each))

25 lumber planks (2in x6in x10in) - $420 

6 steel rebar pieces (10 ft long) - $40 

Framing brackets - $25 

Concrete mix - $10 

40x 20ft pieces of ¾” schedule 40 PVC - $350 

Greenhouse poly plastic - $188 

Landscaping felt - $60 

Nails, roofing nails, screws etc. - $50 

5,000 gallon rainwater collection tank - $2,500 

Gutters - $500 

Gutter guards - $300 

Piping - $100 

Delivery, tax, etc. - $450

Total = $19,972

Equipment (Backhoe, Tractor, Tools)

Bobcat - $14,000

Ace Steel Residential Wheelbarrow - $41.99 (x2)

Blue Hawk Fiber Glass Shovel - $9.98 (x5)

Craftsman 58 in. Hoe - $19.98

14 Tine Bow Rake - $13.91

DuroMax XP12000 - $1,299

Total = $15,468

Commercial Kitchen

Vulcan SX-36 - $1955

Supera Commercial Fridge (2) - $4,442 

Avantco Undercounter Refrigeration - $2,269

48" Range Hood - PLJI 103.48 - $2,349

Jet Tech EV-18 Undercounter Dishwasher - $2,753

Commercial 3 Compartment Sink - $889

Chrome wire shelving units (4) - $424 @ $106 ea.  

(2) 12 Person Extendable Solid Wood Dining Table- $2,998 @ $1,499 ea

(24) Wood dining chairs - $4776 @ $199 ea.

Total = $22,855

Bathrooms/Composting Toilet x2

Toilet seats - $70

Plywood - $88

5 gallon buckets - $8

Shower (premanufactured) - $450

Bathroom sink vanities (2) - $400 each

Total = $1,416

Permits/Taxes 

First year taxes - $3,928.08

Address - $15

FEMA Flood Insurance (necessary) - $711

Total = $4,654.08

Grand Total = $122,227