Our Mission
The mission of Brightmoor Artisans Collective is to collaboratively and holistically foster an equitable, resilient, and sovereign local food system for the benefit and wellness of all Brightmoor residents.
Our Holistic Model
Our approach is rooted in a comprehensive model of social change, aiming to provide essential services, develop skills, increase access, and build ownership within the vibrant Brightmoor community of Detroit.
We embrace the philosophy that true food sovereignty extends beyond teaching someone to fish—it involves ensuring access to the pond and ownership of it. At Brightmoor Artisans Collective, we strive for a community where everyone has the resources and support to not only survive but thrive. We are committed to fostering an environment where all residents have what they need to flourish, building a future that is equitable, sustainable and resilient for the benefit of all.
Our Programs
Our B'moor Nourished Free Pantry, along with our on-site garden, aims to bridge the grocery gap in our hardworking neighborhood. With nearly 80% of our community identified as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed (ALICE), our goal is to upscale our weekly pantry into a daily free corner market, ensuring consistent access to nutritious food for all residents.
We believe in empowering our community through knowledge. Our workshops on nutrition, cooking, and small business development are designed to equip Brightmoor residents with valuable skills. Whether you're looking to improve your culinary prowess or start a business, our workshops provide the tools you need to succeed.
Summer Farmers Market and Community Workspace
Our Summer Farmers Market and community workspace serve as a hub for local commerce and social interaction. Here, neighbors can buy and sell products from local producers, fostering a sense of community and economic growth. It’s a place where commerce meets camaraderie.
Partnerships and Events
In collaboration with smaller nonprofits, we host events and meetings at our center, providing a physical space for organizations without brick-and-mortar establishments. These partnerships enhance our community’s network and resources, facilitating greater collective impact.
Our learning garden offers a hands-on opportunity for neighbors to explore urban gardening and local food production. It's a place of discovery, where community members can cultivate their own produce and deepen their understanding of sustainable practices.
Our shared commercial kitchen supports Detroit retail food businesses, increasing access and promoting ownership among local entrepreneurs. By providing a fully equipped space for food production, we help businesses thrive and grow in a supportive environment.
Currently, we are incubating a Producers Cooperative of BIPOC farmers who are establishing a land trust in the Brightmoor area. This initiative is designed to build ownership and ensure long-term sustainability for local farmers, aligning with our broader vision of food sovereignty.
We are also incubating another cooperative focused on native and edible landscaping services called the Rain Roots Collective, formed in partnership with Friends of the Rouge and Sierra Club.
Board of Directors
-
Tyra Moore
Interim President
-
Mary Beth Mauer
Secretary; Maintenance Officer
-
Tanya Fielder
Treasurer
-
Thomas Obioha
Trustee
-
Brittany Alexander
Trustee
Our History
In 2009, local residents founded Neighbors Building Brightmoor (NBB), an organization that has transformed the southwest region of Brightmoor known as The Farmway into an area rich with gardens, greenhouses, and parks. Growing naturally out of the opportunities created by this increased amount of locally grown fresh produce, Brightmoor Artisans Collective (BAC) was established in 2016 by members of NBB as a safe space where community members could creatively work and learn together to process, market, and consume affordable, healthy food.
Today, Brightmoor Artisans Collective serves as a community resource hub for increased access to nutrition education, gardening skills, & local economic development. BAC is also a community space for inter-generational programs focused on creativity, personal enrichment and wellness.
