“Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
About Nosreme
In 2019, Ariana Parrish had the pleasure of living in Copenhagen, Denmark. Her salary was low but because it’s known as the ‘happiest place on earth’ (mainly due to amazing healthcare) she found happiness being amongst the community. There is more than just ‘hygge’ (the idea of being comfortable and cozy) and its ‘fællesspisning’. In English, this translates to “community eating.” Nōs•Reme takes a cue from the Danish way of life, where social interaction and food sharing form the core of every meaningful relationship.
That is why apart from the intimate communal dinners we offer,
and the dynamic post-dinner events we showcase, we also provide a range of interactive art opportunities with Baltimore-based artists. In a city with limited access to food and art funding, we are determined to create a nurturing space that enables individuals to flourish. Our goal isn’t to make anyone feel marginalized, or even have the best food in town. Similar to Copenhagen, no class is higher than another. We all have our own unique story.
By 2027, we will be an artists community-focused residency housed in either a warehouse or a church. It will include: a communal dining space, art classes, community events and artists’ studios. The resident artists and the community will dine together with one daily menu. Locals can also meet here for a family-style dinner, or other activities such as a game of chess, storytelling, or other types of performances and activities. The educational area is where artists can teach classes. We aim to house (10) artists’ studios where artists can live and work for short- to long-term residencies.
During our 4-year pilot phase we will host events in food and art deserts to help determine our final brick and mortar location. Click the link to read out business plan to find out all of the nitty gritty details….because we’ve got them all figured out!
Our Goal
Our purpose and motivation.
Vision
To create innovative social experiences that celebrate art, food and diversity, where individuals arrive as strangers and leave feeling part of a community.
Mission
Here at Nosreme Baltimore, we envision a uniquely interactive experience that connects individuals from all walks of life. We are dedicated to nurturing a strong sense of community while fostering mindful practices. Serving Baltimore City’s art enthusiasts and food lovers alike, we create social experiences that encourage you to be you.
Values
We desire to bridge the gap between Baltimore City’s neighborhoods and its vibrant art scene, Nosreme Baltimore aims to connect food, art, and community.
How does our pilot phase work?
Currently, we host four proof-of-concept events per year. Our goal is to raise funds, receive in-kind donations and traction to support events. We will determine our brick and
mortar location after surveying neighborhoods during our event series:
We hosts four (4) events every year
We showcase artwork by various Baltimore artists on our website and social media platforms
Two (2) events in the year provide an opportunity for all participants to view and purchase local art both online and in person
Two (2) events in the year provide an opportunity for participants to actively participate in a interactive art project lead by a community artist
We recommended minimum fee for events but won’t turn anybody away due to inability to pay
We feature food by local Baltimore chefs that prepare a limited gluten-free meals with vegan alternatives focusing on food waste reduction
Through the pilot phase, we will reach out to as many artists, restaurants, and community members as possible to engage their interest to grow Nosreme Baltimore and the community art/ meal concept. There is a small but growing number of artists residencies in Baltimore City but few provide direct access to community development within a community lacking food and art access. Our residency aims to have a unique position because of its daily communal dining experience inviting both artists and local community members to meet at one set time a day sharing a gluten-free meal. Being uniquely placed within an area of Baltimore City lacking a grocery store and art access takes an active step towards revitalizing a neighborhood in need. Artists will not only have the opportunity to have an affordable space to live and work during their residency with teaching and meal opportunities, but provide the opportunity to attend artists residencies outside of the United States as a part of an exchange program.
Our humble beginnings.
The name Nosreme was born during a middle-school English assignment and later influenced founder Ariana Parrish’s architecture thesis at Temple University. From a young age, Ariana has been intrigued by renowned essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson’s take on transcendentalism. In line with his philosophy, Ariana sought to introduce alternative societal experiences by designing a shared communal space for anyone and everyone. It was based on this backdrop that Nosreme – “Emerson” spelled backwards – came into being.
Ariana is a Baltimore native raised by parents with huge hearts. Her first volunteer experience was a tree-planting event led by Nickelodeon in the early 90’s. Since that event she’s been unstoppable - volunteering as bingo caller at a Jewish Convalescent Nursing home, water holder at marathons, American Red Cross assistant, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and Big Brother Big Sisters of America to name a few. As an African American woman who has traveled to over 30 countries, she acknowledges her privileges and wants to share her experiences back to the City of Baltimore.
