Signal Fire ran programs from 2009 to 2023.  

This is an archive of those projects, programs, publications and events.

Dear friends,

We regret to announce that Signal Fire is ending operations in 2024 as a not for profit organization. It has been a hard decision for the current Board of Directors to make after 14 years of such rich and highly regarded programs. Following a global pandemic and numerous internal challenges, we have not been able to muster enough capacity to fan the flames and bring it back to its fullness.

Signal Fire was founded to provide opportunities for artists and creative agitators to engage with our remaining wildlands.  It was started in 2008 by activist Amy Harwood and artist Ryan Pierce. Both wanted to find a way to bring their communities closer to foster more collaboration. As avid backpackers, they imagined small groups traveling together into threatened wildlands, discussing and strategizing ways to shift dominant views of land in the American West.  This vision was refined, expanded, and productively challenged over the years by other collaborators, participants, and partners.  Years later, it continues to resonate; in a time of such drastic cultural, climatic, and social change, we believe that Signal Fire's ethos has something valuable to contribute.

Going forward, we're working to make a complete archive of Signal Fire’s programming since 2009 on a new website.  We're so grateful to all of you -- alums, donors, founders, former staff, partners, and friends -- for experiences shared and relationships developed.  It's our hope that this archive will serve to celebrate and share all of the ideas, artworks, and provocations that germinated as part of Signal Fire.  May it also be of service for the new fires of change that we so deeply need.

Onward, with love and courage… and stay in touch!

Were you a Signal Fire Participant?

Sign up for the alumni Newsletter