Our Model

Sanctuary for Sustainable Artistry is launching a new pathway to sustainable cities with a micro-retail model that makes doing business in metro centers more affordable for small business operators and city residents.

The Sanctuary model transforms vacant first-floor retail spaces into vibrant modern markets that deliver affordable rent levels to micro food operators and artisans.  We deliver build-out management services to landlords with innovative honeycomb-style modulars and provide technical support to micro-entrepreneurs. The package of services delivers social and economic benefits not only to the micro business operators, but to the landlords, and city residents who all benefit from more vibrant city centers.

Our Mission

We always believed in preserving our ancestral traditions, fostering community through her work as a food artisan, leader and arts enthusiast.  This led to the development of Sanctuary with the purpose of highlighting the creativity and vibrance of black cultural traditions everywhere with inspiration from the richness and diversity of the African diaspora.

Communities of color are disproportionately impacted by changes to cities caused by socio-economic and landscape shifting factors. The most forgotten in our eyes have been creative artists and food artisans, ones who have provided us a sense of home, nourishment and safety through connective experiences. Art is a critical influence on human development, a signature of culture and a representation of what has been preserved. Our work seeks to align opportunity with education and access to address critical issues with tangible solutions.