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Community members are invited to participate in a new socially-engaged photography and archival project which kicks off at Malcolm X Park on Wednesday, March 20. The project, titled What is West?, includes a series of free community workshops and a public art installation at the park.

The goal of the project, sponsored by The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage and The Arts League, is to “give the authority and tools to define West Philadelphia as it exists for its community.”

“Recognizing lived experience as expertise while utilizing public art as a means of exploration, this project will allow our neighbors to move towards collective healing and justice,” reads the project description on the Arts League website.

Another project objective is to document West Philadelphia, a large area comprised of many different neighborhoods, as a place known for its “neighborly warmth, diversity, and collective optimism.” Historically, it has been documented for its issues.

The first workshop, Intro to Photography, will take place at the park, located at 5100 Pine St., on March 20, 4-6 p.m. and March 23, 1-3 p.m. More workshops are scheduled for April 22nd and April 27th. Field practice and guest workshops will be held from May 22nd to July 10th. See the flyer for more details.

Workshops are open to people of all ages and levels.

The project will culminate with an exhibition on August 17th and a short documentary, directed by award-winning journalist Sofiya Ballin. Artists Selina Carrera and Angel Shanel Edwards are also involved with the project.

If you have questions or would like to get involved, please email Project Coordinator, Rose, at whatiswest@ucartsleague.org