STEWARDING SINGULAR PLACES, TOGETHER

ABEN is a national peer network for the stewardship of artist-built environments. 

We connect site stewards, share field knowledge, and build the collective capacity these irreplaceable places need — to thrive, and to honor the artists' legacies they carry.


What is an Artist-Built Environment?


While there are many sites that are all-encompassing sculptural, visual experiences, or embellished in an artistic way, we define an artist-built environment as having the following:

  • A personal space (such as a home, garden, yard, or studio)
  • Fully transformed through sustained creative work into an immersive artistic environment
  • Life- and site-specific, meaning:
    The artwork is inseparable from its location
    Created by an artist/creator as an expression of their personal vision
    Reflects a significant investment of the creator's time, life, and creative energy
    Cannot be moved without fundamentally altering or destroying its meaning

    Where can I find out more about Artist-Built Environments?





    Once you start looking, you’ll find us everywhere. But here are some good sites to start with:  


    SPACES Archives - in-depth information about sites across the world

    NARROW LARRY - photos and mapping of sites

    ATLAS OBSCURA - online travel guide to wonders 

    RAW VISION - print magazine documenting self-made worlds

    May I donate to the Artist-Built Environment Network?



    You’re darn tootin’ you can donate to ABEN - we use DonorBox.


    Support for our convenings have been generously provided by: Kohler Foundation Incorporated, the John Michael Kohler Art Center, Columbus State University, The Barra Foundation, The Mellon Foundation, matching funds from member sites, and site stewards personal investment.