Hello 2024!! [End of Year Report/Recap 2023]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Karen Gordon
Email: kgordon@growingaugusta.org
Phone: +1 (762) 233-5299
Date: January 30, 2024

Director’s Report: 2023 — The Foundation Year for Growing Augusta’s Bold Vision

AUGUSTA, GA — As 2023 draws to a close, Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency reflects on a year of deep investment in people, partnerships, and place. Following a challenging recovery from the disruptions of the previous two years, 2023 served as a foundation year—strengthening our systems, nurturing new collaborations, and proving that small, intentional actions create lasting community change.

While many of our activities weren’t broadcasted widely, their impact resonates across Augusta's neighborhoods, farmers, and creative community.

“This was the year of building, bridging, and believing. We were preparing the soil for the harvest we’d see in 2024,” said Karen Gordon, Director of Growing Augusta. “Thanks to the commitment of farmers, neighbors, artists, and advocates, we were able to hold space for connection, creation, and community healing.”

2023 Highlights at a Glance

AGRICULTURE – BUILDING LOCAL FOOD INFRASTRUCTURE

  • Supported 25 local farmers through our community-driven farmers markets.

  • Drew an average of 150 shoppers per market, connecting neighborhoods to fresh food and local products.

  • Hosted 6 virtual meetups for urban farmers, creating space for knowledge exchange and mutual support.

  • Conducted 6 cooking demonstrations and 4 public charrettes, helping community members learn how to eat seasonally and contribute to the design of food-access spaces.

  • Partnered with Pick42 Foundation to expand the reach of their direct-purchase agreement, ensuring consistent market access for local farmers through June 2025.

ARTS – EXPANDING COMMUNITY CULTURE

  • Presented 30+ performers on the Jazz/Blues Stage at the Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival.

  • Produced 2 community festivals and 2 on-farm concerts, activating spaces with live music and local food.

  • Collaborated with the Greater Augusta Arts Council and other cultural stakeholders to expand the visibility of the arts in agriculture.

AGENCY – ACTIVATING ADVOCACY AND POLICY

  • Partnered with Mayor Garnett Johnson to host a farmers market at City HQ, modeling how local government can lead in food access efforts.

  • Worked with Senator Harold Jones to lay the groundwork for a Food Policy Council in Augusta.

  • Collaborated with the Augusta Planning Department and City Commission to assist Wallace’s Farm in a successful rezoning request.

  • Joined forces with the Augusta Land Bank and Neighborhood Association Alliance to advocate for the productive reuse of vacant lots.

  • Continued talks to establish a Black Chamber Agri-Business Committee to mentor BIPOC growers and uplift emerging agricultural entrepreneurs.

COMMUNITY VISIBILITY & IMPACT

  • Reached thousands through strategic media placements in local radio, newspapers, and billboards.

  • Strengthened outreach through a partnership with Urban Pro Weekly, leveraging print and digital journalism to center community voices.

About Growing Augusta
Growing Augusta: Arts, Agriculture, & Agency is a hybrid organization at the intersection of food, culture, and advocacy. Our mission is to build resilient food systems, amplify creative expression, and influence equitable public policy through grounded, community-rooted work.

Thank you to our 2023 partners:
Savannah Riverkeeper, Senator Harold Jones, Mayor Garnett Johnson, Augusta HCD, Greater Augusta Arts Council, Pick42 Foundation, Black Chamber Agri-Business, Neighborhood Association Alliance, Augusta Land Bank Authority, and Urban Pro Weekly.

advocacy, agency, agriculture, arts, food access, wellnessK Gordon