Reflections on the Baltimore Natural Dye Initiative and Cultivating Communities of Care

Abstract

Abstract The Baltimore Natural Dye Initiative (NDI) is a multi-agency project exploring the cultural and economic impacts of growing and using natural dyes in the Baltimore region. The project established a dye farm at Parks and People Foundation, and initiated a collaboration between the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) and community artists to support learning about natural dyes, their histories, and implications of their use in art, design, and community contexts. Courses in the Fiber Department served as containers for collaboration and supported the development of artist-driven projects that now anchor the NDI and define the expanded curriculum. This paper reflects on the people who have shaped this project and how the learning space, pedagogy, curriculum, and community evolved as a result of their collective work.