VISION: The bARTer collective believes in reImagining the contemporary notion of exchange of currency for product or service. our action-based inquiries originate in a belief of every human needs to be actively creative and actively involved in their community.

MANIFESTO: The bARTer collective is a collective of artists, designers, educators, thought provokers, dreamers, service workers, and citizens who host a mobile exchange space. we trade ___________ for _____________. once we fill in the blankety blanks, we adapt our systemic platform to suit each happening.
The bARTer collective believes in reImagining the contemporary notion of exchange of currency for product or service. our action-based inquiries originate in a belief of every human needs to be actively creative and actively involved in their community.

Our motivation is driven by citizenship and the need to vitalize and contribute to our local community. our approach is to create dynamic situations that present alternative means of exchange where active creation gives way to goods and services. We would gladly trade the mass produced for blowing kisses and hand written notes.

dialogue + creative voice + action + social change = bARTer.

Story Swap at the University of Colorado


During Finals Week at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, the bARTer collective invited students to share a challenging experience they’ve had this year that showed their strength and resilience. Sponsored by Storytelling Professor Dr. ‘Ilaheva Tua’one and the Kraemer Family Library, our event created a space for students to first feed themselves, then decompress, story tell, talk story, type story, and finally, unburden themselves. The event was a great interactive success, with wellness coaches on hand, and many first-time typists!