The Kula Exchange is a tradition of the Massim people of Papua New Guinea. Each year handmade gifts of necklaces and armbands are carried by canoe hundreds of miles. These exchanges function to establish bonds, build trust and strengthen relationships amongst communities. During the summer of 2008, a contemporary variation of the Kula exchange was born, the Gift Cycle. In a similar spirit, the Gift Cycle was a circulatory gift economy connecting artists nationwide. Gifts of art were biked from local artists of one community to local artists of the next community en route. The trip started in Providence, Rhode Island and ended in Seattle, Washington. We biked the entire journey and were joined by 15 others at various points. Art exchange events took place along the way. The events were held in gallery spaces, bars and cafes in Providence RI, New London CT, Brooklyn NY, Lancaster PA, Columbus OH, Cincinnati OH, St Louis MO, Lawrence KS, Guffey CO, Breckenridge CO, Missoula MT, Portland OR and Seattle WA. At these events, artists brought a piece of art and exchanged it for a piece of art. No money involved. Just gifts. The art from Seattle was brought back to Providence and given to the original contributors, completing the cycle.

giftcycle.org