Keeling Curve

Primary Project Category:

Secondary Project Category:

Name of Project:

Year Project Originated:

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

Swale is a trailblazing arts’ initiative that empowers traditionally marginalized groups. Swale speaks to climate change and the communities most vulnerable to it. Swale’s artistic expression is of access to food, clean air, and clean water. During Swale’s pilot phase, we employed eight young people from the neighborhood when it was docked in the South Bronx, a food desert, who gave a voice to the community. Swale catalyzed the Foodway, the first time NYC Parks allowed foraging on public land, expanding access to parks, stewardship, and awareness about agroforestry and carbon farming. Through the pilot barge and the Swale Lab, Swale has hosted 347,000 visitors, 940 guided tours, 92 school field trips, 68 free public programs, and 38 Summer Youth Employees.
The launch in 2024 of a permanent fleet of floating food forests that focus on urban regenerative farming, local plants and habitats, and carbon sequestration, allows for a tangible vision of sustainability and environmental justice. Swale strategically uses art to instigate wonder and shift perceptions, inspiring young people to pursue studies and professions in food, climate justice, and environmental science. Swale is designed through feedback and insights from over 130,000 contributors during a participatory workshop process, ensuring its relevance.

Website:

https://www.swalenyc.org

Mission Statement:

Swale promotes agroforestry and carbon farming through experiential public artworks and educational food forests built on deck barges. They utilize marine common law to circumvent NYC's local public land laws. At Swale, we believe that food production can be less polluting, and food access can be more just.

Link: Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/swalenyc/