Models to Grow On: Learning from the University of Minnesota Land Lab

Explore how our arts incubator and food security projects are learning from sustainable agriculture models like the University of Minnesota's Land Lab. This program focuses on food justice, environmental research, and community collaboration—key strategies for supporting local growers and building resilient food systems.
As we look to explore our own options, the UMD Land Lab is an excellent example of how universities can partner with communities to promote sustainable agriculture, food justice, and environmental stewardship. Their work offers valuable insights for developing similar initiatives that support local growers and strengthen community resilience.
As we look to explore our own options, the UMD Land Lab is an excellent example of how universities can partner with communities to promote sustainable agriculture, food justice, and environmental stewardship. Their work offers valuable insights for developing similar initiatives that support local growers and strengthen community resilience.

Over the years, many of our arts incubator and food security initiatives have opened new pathways for community empowerment through creative entrepreneurship and sustainable practices. As we’ve worked alongside local partners to address food systems and agricultural challenges, we’ve always sought innovative models that can serve as examples for community-based projects. One of the models we have really taken an interest in is the University of Minnesota Duluth Land Lab—an inspiring initiative combining food justice, environmental research, and hands-on education.

The UMD Land Lab is more than just a research facility; it’s a 15-acre space where transitional organic farmland and a flourishing apple orchard come together to support both local growers and students. Located just five miles from the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) campus, it plays a pivotal role in fostering relationships between the university and surrounding communities. The Land Lab also serves as an incubator for research that directly supports the region’s agricultural needs while educating future leaders in food justice and sustainable farming practices.

Visit the UMD Land Lab web site to learn more about their work!

Our own work has been rooted in similar principles, focusing on bridging gaps between creative arts, community development, and food security. Whether it’s through hands-on agricultural projects, marketplace activities, or integrating art and technology, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to connect people to their food systems and build local resilience. Programs like the Land Lab provide invaluable insight into how a well-structured partnership between educational institutions and communities can drive long-lasting impact.

This fall and winter, we’re particularly excited to learn more about the Land Lab’s work, how they collaborate with their community, and the strategies they use to foster sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. By studying their approach, we hope to uncover new ways to enhance our own projects and support similar programs in other communities. As we continue to explore new models for participatory arts, food security and sustainable climate entrepreneurship, the UMD Land Lab stands out as an inspiring example of the possibilities that can arise from collaboration, research, and a deep commitment to community well-being. We’d love to have them as guest speakers!

We love growing tomatoes each year, watching them flourish from seedlings to ripe, vibrant fruits. It’s not just about the harvest—it’s about the connection to the land, sustainable practices, and the joy of growing fresh food that nourishes our community.
We love growing tomatoes each year, watching them flourish from seedlings to ripe, vibrant fruits. It’s not just about the harvest—it’s about the connection to the land, sustainable practices, and the joy of growing fresh food that nourishes our community.
Picture of Jamie Bell

Jamie Bell

Often found chatting on park benches, Jamie Bell is a co-founder of artsincubator.ca and has been a passionate advocate for community-based arts and research for nearly three decades. His extensive career spans arts, media, and communications, with notable engagements in the Arviat Film Society and the artsincubator.ca program. Jamie's work has been showcased in prominent outlets such as TIME, CPAC, the Globe and Mail, CBC Radio and CBC North among others. He has delivered numerous presentations at forums like Global Dignity Day, Arctic Science Summit Week, Arctic Change and ArcticNet Annual Scientific Meetings, Auviqsaqtut and others across the circumpolar world. He is a board member for Global Dignity Canada.

As a community program, nurturing the skills, knowledge, and networks of our future leaders, this unique, pilot program contributes beyond the success of its participants. It also aims to lay foundations for sustainable and impactful business and entrepreneurship programming.

In the Spotlight

Since our first pilot program, many of our programs and activities have been made possible with support from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design Masters of Arts in Creative Leadership and Creative Entrepreneurship programs. We are incredibly thankful to the many MCAD students and faculty for their contributions. Learn more about their program, and click here to visit their web site.

Our program is proud to have been accepted into the OpenAI Researcher Access Program