Project III: Embodied Earth | Garden of Voices
Climate Impact Reports
Introduction
Garden of Voices, a pivotal installment of Project III’s Embodied Earth series, redefined sustainable art practices through interdisciplinary collaboration, innovative community programming, and intentional climate-conscious design. Presented over three days in a Harlem community garden, the site-specific event incorporated immersive storytelling, dance, and visual art to address themes of environmental justice and community resilience. Our Pod members–academic Allison Su, artist Nicki Koning, and choreographer Maqks Gross–produced this project through an intense fourteen day timeline where they informed each other's work developing their ideas across creative, scientific, and theoretical backgrounds. This experimental process was overseen by Kasey Broekema, founder of Project III, and Nicole Jackson, founder of Embodied Earth. Garden of Voices explores sustainable farming and aims to inspire solutions to composting. This report outlines the creative process, sustainability efforts, collaborative dynamics, and measurable impacts of the project as we continue to look forward to new iterations of Embodied Earth programming.
Reflection: Apprehensions & Assumptions Coming Into the Project
Entering Garden of Voices, I had several assumptions about what was required to make an impact, especially as it related to numbers and scale. I discovered the impact–at least for this team–wasn’t in the measurable statistics; rather, impact manifested in the small, intentional actions. Our goal was to leave a lasting imprint on everyone involved, both audience and artist. Creating identity within the community was fundamental from the start. Trust was built within our team and the Harlem community we interacted with through consistent engagement, sharing stories, and working through difficult conversations. Every action we took in the project helped reinforce this trust. It was not instantaneous but grew organically through shared experiences.
Creative Process and Adaptation Timeline
After nearly nine months of submitting grant and funding applications, the pre-production period for Garden of Voices stretched from May-August 2024. The creative development evolved over a two week intensive period in September, leveraging adaptability, open communication, and interdisciplinary input.
Pre-Production (Months 1-3): Concept development, site selection, and artist recruitment.
Concept Ideation (Month 4): Virtual workshops with our Pod members Allison Su (Researcher), Nicki Koning (Fiber Artist), and Maqks Gross (Choreographer).
Rehearsal and Collaboration (Week 1): Daily rehearsals combining choreography, narrative development, and site-specific art integration.
Final Run Throughs (Days 8-10): Integrating elements such as our interactive stations, the original music score, and costumes.
Tech Rehearsal & Installation (Day 11): Transporting and installing art work, spacing dancers for the walking performance in the garden, setting up technical equipment.
World Premiere, Workshops, & Performances (Days 12-14): Over three days, we had community compost workshops, tabling, interactive stations, live music and dance performances from guest artists, a celebration at a community coffee shop, and three live performances of Garden of Voices.
Reflection: Creating and Holding Space
The two-week production window was an incredibly humbling experience. For the first time at Project III, we were able to hire a paid team for a multi-day show. I was so used to executing all of the production elements myself–working entirely in isolation–that I realized I had to entirely shift mentality to work collaboratively. This process forced me to reflect on the meaning of collaboration and learn the importance of stepping back, listening, and allowing space for others to contribute. There were moments of tension, particularly when we pushed artists out of their comfort zones and mediums, but that was a necessary part of the process. We often had to pivot, find new ways to communicate, and ensure that every voice was heard. Treating this project as an experiment allowed us to embrace these challenges as part of our growth. While the Embodied Earth series will always evolve with new Pods and collaborations, I will always be grateful for the dedication and energy the team poured into this pilot project.
Our production timeline revolved around regular Pod meetings, where we aligned on goals, tackled obstacles, and adjusted expectations. These check-ins kept us connected and allowed for adaptive problem-solving as challenges arose. For example, when burnout hit during the intensive production period, we pivoted by canceling rehearsals to regroup and recharge. This flexibility helped us maintain momentum without compromising the health and creativity of the team.
There were moments of uncertainty: logistical hurdles, balancing creative and practical needs, and shifting timelines. But the beauty of the process was in the problem-solving—whether it was canceling rehearsals to re-align priorities or learning how to make space for unexpected needs.
Sustainability Efforts
The project embraced sustainability across four key areas:
Sustainable Materials:
100% of visual art components were made from recycled or naturally sourced materials.
Use of organic dyes in art creation.
Upcycled costumes.
Community Engagement:
Workshops teaching paper-making and composting techniques.
Sculpture created with community contributions, integrating art with activism.
Interactive reading stations.
Spaces for the community to react with each other and the artists; making space to spark conversations which will create connections beyond Garden of Voices.
Site-Specific Design:
Leveraged the natural setting of the Harlem community garden, eliminating the need for constructed sets.
Focused on storytelling tailored to the environment and community.
Sustainable Team Practices:
Intentional rest periods for the team to prioritize mental and physical well-being.
Reduction of waste and single-use materials during production.
Moments to build community through games, shared experiences, and meals.
Reflection: Unpacking Sustainability
Sustainability is not solely about materials or energy—it's about long-lasting, meaningful impact. Sustainability is a practice that needs to be embedded in our actions, values, and the nature of the community we foster. True sustainability for the environment is ultimately sustainability for ourselves.
Producing Garden of Voices in a community garden was a unique opportunity to engage with sustainability in an organic way. We didn't need to build a set because the environment itself provided the perfect backdrop. Nicki's artwork was created from found paper and was turned into pulp using organic dyes, which brought a new layer of intentionality to the project. For us, sustainability wasn't just about materials; it was about every aspect of the process being mindful and purposeful.
As mentioned above, the most challenging aspect of the project was the two week intensive production period. I discovered sustainability applies to not only material things, but also sustainability of our team and the body. We were all working hard, and burnout was starting to show. Maqks, our choreographer, told our dancers, "Sustainability for the show means sustainability for ourselves." Upon resonating with this, I decided to cancel a day of rehearsal to allow the team to recharge. I realized taking time to rest and reflect ultimately created a more sustainable and impactful outcome than pushing forward on burnout.
Another example of a small sustainable action through my experience producing this was when Nicki and I went to source materials, we stayed at the coffee shop and took the time to connect. While potentially trivial on the surface, that moment allowed us to better understand each other’s values, which made for more productive collaboration; not to mention saving the need for a single-use cup.
Working with Allison was also a highlight; her academic approach to community programming provided a solid backbone for the narrative and thematic elements of the show. Her fresh perspective contributed to the sustainability of the team and the project in a theoretical manner, which is equally impactful. Despite the challenges, our team's ability to listen, communicate, and adapt to each other made the interdisciplinary collaboration a rich and rewarding experience.
Collaboration and Community Building
Team Dynamics: Led by co-directors Kasey Broekema (Project III) and Nicole Jackson (Embodied Earth), the project’s interdisciplinary Pod structure brought together choreographers, visual artists, and researchers. Each member contributed to shaping the narrative and thematic focus of the performance, ensuring an inclusive creative process.
Community Involvement:
Free daytime programming invited Harlem residents to participate in paper-making workshops and contribute to interactive installations.
Performances by local musicians and dancers showcased the community’s cultural richness.
Reflection: What’s Really Collaborative?
In our process, we often asked: what does collaboration truly look like? Is it about consensus or trust-building? It became clear that genuine collaboration wasn’t just about sharing space; it’s about listening, understanding diverse perspectives, and creating an open space for all voices.
We continued to explore questions to discuss buzzwords such as collaboration, interdisciplinary, and sustainability in our day-to-day rehearsals. We discussed questions such as, “Who were we accountable to? Who were we serving? Who makes up our personal communities?” Making space to hear everyone’s thought process unpacking these complex concepts helped build mutual trust and understanding. From artists to community members, we were responsible for honoring the space, understanding their needs, and ensuring every decision we made was grounded in respect for the people we aimed to represent. Community was built not just through words, but through actions. Whether it was a conversation over coffee or adjusting the rehearsal space to give everyone room to breathe, these small moments helped forge connections and created a foundation for the work that followed.
Granted, through this process, there were moments of tension, especially when pushing artists beyond their comfort zones, but that discomfort was a necessary part of growth. Treating this project as an experiment allowed us to embrace those challenges. Our interdisciplinary collaboration taught us that stepping back, listening, and pivoting were essential to creating meaningful work.
Audience and Impact
Over the three-day event, Garden of Voices engaged more than 600 attendees from diverse age groups and backgrounds, fostering dialogue about climate justice and creative empowerment. Highlights include:
Community Engagement Metrics:
80+ participants in workshops.
60% of attendees reported a deeper understanding of environmental issues post-event.
Artistic Resonance:
Positive feedback emphasized the accessibility of the narrative and its connection to Harlem’s history and identity.
75% of surveyed attendees expressed an interest in participating in future sustainable art projects.
Reflection: Reactions and Impressions
I was initially concerned the audience wouldn’t be able to follow our narrative. Our team had become so immersed in the work that I worried it would be too abstract or difficult to grasp. However, seeing the audience, ranging from children to older adults in Harlem, engage with the performance in different ways was incredibly rewarding. That our work resonated across generations and inspired different thoughts and reflections felt like huge successes.
I was relieved when I witnessed the audience react tangibly. Their reactions brought home that our wild experiment worked. As far as I know, we were venturing into new territory having the choreographer, artist, and researcher all working in the same room throughout the entire timeline, informing each other’s work. I entered the process hoping this would result in designing a fresh experience for the audience. Hearing firsthand the audience express that they’d never experienced something quite like this was exciting and validating.
On the day of the show, the culmination of everything became clear. The work wasn’t just about performance; it was about representing a community that had invested time, energy, and trust into something bigger than ourselves. The energy in the room felt like a living, breathing reflection of our shared commitment. It reinforced my belief that art should engage people on a personal level, inviting them to reflect and take action in their own lives. My hope is that after experiencing Garden of Voices, both artists and audiences will feel empowered to create and give back to their own communities.
Final Reflections
Garden of Voices demonstrated sustainability in the arts extends beyond materials and production practices to include team well-being, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community engagement. The project’s success inspires both Project III and Embodied Earth to continue pushing boundaries in climate-conscious storytelling and creative programming.
Reflection: Personal and Team Growth
Nicole–the founder of Embodied Earth–and I have developed an incredible internal rhythm that has made our collaboration smooth and effective. I’m deeply grateful for their partnership and for the way we are able to talk through difficult moments. I believe the ability to listen and experiment is key to self-improvement, and working with Nicole has taught me a lot about leadership and creative direction. I started this journey thinking I was merely dabbling in climate justice art, but the experience has shown me the deep importance of integrating heart and intention into every part of the process. Success isn't just about measurable outcomes; it's about designing a sustainable team and process, and ensuring that the work is impactful on both a personal and community level.
I’m most proud of how our team adapted throughout the process. I witnessed maturity, boldness, and a deep sense of faith in the mission from everyone involved. It was a privilege to see how everyone was considerate in making space for one another. This work has been validating for me in ways I didn’t expect. I was initially worried that my work wouldn’t be enough or that people would see me as appropriating climate justice for notoriety; although, I’ve learned when the intent and passion are pure, the work speaks for itself. By sharing my process, I hope to inspire others to not wait for permission to create and mobilize their communities. When your heart is in the right place, nothing can stop you from making something meaningful.
Future Recommendations
Expand Community Outreach:
Increase partnerships with local schools and organizations to deepen educational impact.
Enhance Measurable Impact:
Develop pre- and post-event surveys to better understand audience transformation.
Refine Pod Structure:
Strengthen interdisciplinary communication frameworks to maximize efficiency and representation.
Lengthen Ideation and Production Timeline:
In our next iteration, we want a longer ideation period so the Pod members can understand each other’s individual work more intimately before jumping into the collaborative process. We also want a longer production timeline so we can schedule more downtime for recovery and processing in between rehearsals.
Reflection: Looking Forward
As with any process, we learned invaluable lessons along the way. The biggest takeaway was the importance of leaving behind something truly impactful—both in the work itself and in how we interacted with those around us. This experience will directly inform the next iteration of our work, especially in how we approach sustainability, trust, and community… keep a look out for Trash Talk arriving in Spring 2025.
The emotional journey of Garden of Voices was one of growth, vulnerability, and connection. Walking into this project, I felt overwhelmed by the scope, but what I learned is that it's about creating moments that people can carry with them long after the project ends. We were building something that transcends the immediate—something with lasting power.
The way we entered and left the space each day shaped the energy of the work. Clear, authentic communication was essential to our success, as was respecting the stories we were representing. This experience reinforced how important it is to share stories with intention and humility.
Contact Information For more details or collaboration inquiries, please visit https://piii.tilda.ws/ or contact kasey.broekema@projectiii.com. Follow us on Instagram @project.iii to keep up with the latest Projects.
Embodied Earth's pilot programming was developed under the Project III umbrella, and will be incorporated separately in 2025. Contact nicole@embodiedearth.org for more information.
Acknowledgements: Garden of Voices was made possible through generous funding from Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. Special thanks to our partner The Brotherhood Sister Sol for inviting us to create in their community.
Additional thank you to our sponsors and supporters including Patagonia, Plant Corner NYC, Oma Shop, Brēz, Töst, Sugar Hill Cafe, and Support Women DJs.
I would like to add a personal thank you to Nicole Jackson, founder of Embodied Earth. Thank you for trusting me with your vision and for bringing such a special community to Project III.
Thank you to our cast: Allison Su, Nicki Koning, Maqks Gross, Ashley Cassetta, Holly Harkins, Kyra Lin, and Georgia Dahill-Fuchel. This would have not been possible without your passion, ideas; remarkable commitment to the arts community, and motivation to make waves in environmental justice.
Finally, thank you to Artists Commit for your guidance and motivation throughout this project and report. I’m excited to see what change we can inspire all together.