Austin’s fourth annual Alt_Market included an interactive art installation among shelves of free non-perishable food and hygiene items.
Jordan Campbell — executive director of Alt Space Chicago, the artist-led nonprofit that created Alt_Market at 346 N. Latrobe Ave. — and Jon Veal started the market in 2020. The art installation and resource giveaway this past week was initially a response to unrest and anger in the Austin community following the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.
“Essentially, we wanted to mobilize the community, empower them, dignify them and help them to understand that what we believe is the greatest asset of any community is the people,” Campbell said. “Art has the ability to start those conversations or is the initiator of those movements.”
This year’s art installation consisted of a photographer taking portraits of nearly 50 visitors, surrounded by flowers and the words “free” and “take & give” painted in vibrant colors by Alt Space Chicago cohort members.
Alt_Market also collaborates with organizations to provide resources to the community. On June 20, Christopher Gibson of Yellow Box Pet Food Pantry offered free cat and dog food, plus products for pets.
But the event was more than just a few wooden shelves with free goods. It was a place for community members to gather and meet each other.
“It truly is kind of like a watering hole, where people can come for more than what they need, even if it’s just a conversation with their neighbor that they haven’t had or someone that they’re able to meet,” Campbell said. “It’s allowed for things to be fostered and cultivated in this space in ways that we couldn’t have fathomed.”
Since 2020, similar markets have popped up in California and New York, Campbell said. And Alt Space Chicago has expanded to the Back of the Yards, Englewood and Greater Grand Crossing neighborhoods.
But the original Austin location at 346 N. Latrobe Ave. brings back to life a building that has been abandoned for 20 years, Campbell said. And Campbell has hopes to someday expand it into a market with groceries — since there aren’t many options for fresh, healthy food in the Austin neighborhood.
“When you work within community, when you work together, you’re able to create bridges that can overcome those gaps,” Campbell said.