Imagine a space where creativity flourishes, neighbors come together, and the land itself thrives—a place where art and ecology are woven into a vibrant, living landscape. At The ArtsXchange, we’re turning this vision into reality, and we want you to be part of it!

We began our Community Giveback Program in 2023 as a way to build community and give back to the people and organizations doing impactful work in Atlanta. Through this program, we provide high-quality, pro-bono design and installation planning services to mission-driven community organizations with limited funding. In doing so, we leverage our volunteer followers and our resources to help these organizations create beneficial ecosystems that support the communities they serve. 

 

The ArtsXchange is one of those partners. They were founded in 1983, reshaping the Metro Atlanta’s arts scene as an inclusive, multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary, and intergenerational arts center. It provides performance and rehearsal spaces, diverse arts education, and a hub for community engagement and social change. Dedicated to supporting Black artists, exposing the community to various cultural traditions, and inspiring new generations, the ArtsXchange empowers artists and residents through accessible, transformative creative experiences.

As a member of the Morehouse Medical School’s Health Equity Advisory Board, they advocate for health equity in East Point, Georgia. Through the Partnership for Southern Equity’s Justice40 Accelerator, they are part of Greening America’s Cities’ commitment to put money directly into the hands of community organizations—supporting land reclamation, urban farming, and green workforce development. This collaboration with Shades of Green reflects the ArtsXchange’s belief that the arts and the environment go hand-in-hand to enhance quality of life.

A Landscape for Culture and Climate

With the leadership of Shades of Green Permaculture, a firm with 16 years of expertise in regenerative landscaping, and the lens of award-winning filmmaker Jonathan Banks capturing the journey, The ArtsXchange is transforming an underutilized greenspace into an ecosystem that nourishes both people and the planet.

Why This Project Matters

The landscapes we live in shape our daily lives. Yet, conventional landscapes—lawns, paved lots, and chemically-treated spaces—are failing us. They deplete our soils, waste water, and strip our communities of biodiversity. These problems aren’t just aesthetic or environmental; they impact everyone—our food, our water, our health, and our future. 

This is more than just a garden—it’s a movement. The transformation of this space will:

✅ Restore Soil, Water & Biodiversity – Healthy landscapes improve air and water quality, regenerate depleted soil, and provide vital habitats for pollinators.

✅ Grow Food & Pollinator Habitats – By planting edible landscapes and pollinator-friendly plants, we create a thriving, productive space for all.

✅ Create a Gathering Space for Art & Activism – The ArtsXchange is already a home for creative expression. Now, the land will reflect that same vitality, providing a space for artists, activists, and the community to connect.

✅ Inspire a Shift in How We Care for Landscapes – What if more communities reimagined their outdoor spaces as regenerative ecosystems? This project isn’t just about one location—it’s about sparking a movement.

Be Part of the Change

Through our Community Giveback Program, we have already donated over $100,000 in materials and in-kind services to projects like this, including $20,000 to The ArtsXchange. Volunteers are not just planting gardens—they’re learning how to restore ecosystems, how to reclaim water, and how to turn dead spaces into places of abundance and taking these skills into their own neighborhoods.

What if every community transformed a space like this? What if we all took part in regenerating the places we share?

It starts with one project, one city, one community—but the ripple effect is boundless. This is a story of hope, action, and a vision for a future where our landscapes sustain us, rather than deplete us.

Every transformation needs support, and here’s how you can help make this vision a reality:

🌱 Donate – Whether it’s $5, $50, or $500, every contribution helps bring this living landscape to life.

🌱 Volunteer – If you’re in Atlanta, roll up your sleeves and be part of the hands-on transformation.

🌱 Share the Story – Spreading the word is just as powerful as donating. Share this blog, tell your friends, and help inspire a ripple effect beyond Atlanta.

This isn’t just about one space—it’s about a collective shift toward regenerative, community-driven landscapes everywhere. Let’s grow better, together.