With an emphasis on locally-focused production and distribution, the alternative economic model of the CSA (community-supported agriculture) has expanded from fresh produce to contemporary art over the past few years. In 2010, the standard for community-supported art was set by the Springboard Center for the Arts, a nonprofit located in St. Paul, MN. Since its inception, this CSA model has spread to at least 40 locations nationwide, from Miami, FL to Fargo, ND, and now, for the first time, to our very own borough of Brooklyn.

A sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a national nonprofit providing a variety of services to the independent arts community, CSA+D (Community Supported Art & Design) provides an alternative way to collect art and sponsor emerging artists and designers. Funded through a subscription service and shareholding model, artists and designers selected by a jury are commissioned to create 50 pieces for CSA+D. A full share includes six pieces from a variety of media – painting, sculpture, textiles, decorative objects, ceramics, prints, lighting, t-shirts, and music are all prospective options. Not all shares are identical, and the exact contents of each share are not revealed until pick-up. While an element of surprise still remains, information about the artists and designed who have been announced so far can be found here.

In making contemporary art and design available to the community through local involvement and support, CSA+D directly connects artists and collectors as an alternative to more traditional means of art sales, such as galleries or online retail. The inaugural pick-up event is open to the public and will take place at Recession Art from 4-7pm on September 21st. Although shares have sold out for the first event, a number of artists and designers will bring additional pieces for sale. We hope to see you there!