Mural Arts Philadelphia has partnered with DTLR, one of the stores that was looted during the civil unrest on May 31, to install “Messages of Hope” from local Black artists on its damaged storefronts around the city, including one on S. 52nd Street. Artists from the public art project Fill the Walls with Hope installed socially conscious artwork featuring powerful messages that aim to bring a sense of hope to the damaged storefronts.

DTLR, an apparel store, opened its Philadelphia flagship store near 52nd and Market last November. The location has remained closed since May 31. DTLR is planning to reopen this and other looted Philadelphia locations by the end of first quarter 2021.  Continue Reading

The Rotunda has been closed to the public since March due to COVID-19, but the pandemic has not stopped the popular West Philly venue and arts organization from offering many virtual events this summer: performances, classes & workshops and even festivals! All events are free and available to the public via Zoom or Facebook.

The list of events for the rest of the summer is below. On September 19 and 20, The Rotunda is hosting Philadelphia’s 14th Annual Black Women’s Arts Festival and is currently seeking participants – singers, dancers and other performers and poets, storytellers and other artists who can live stream (by Zoom) from their home or studio. Short film submissions and workshop presenters/speakers/panelists are also wanted. Artists will receive a stipend which will be decided based on fundraising. Volunteers and interns of all colors and genders are also sought to assist in planning and organizing for this event. Artists, presenters, and volunteers/interns can contact Cassendre Xavier, Founder & Director by email: BWAFphilly@gmail.com.

Donations can be sent via Paypal to cxmusic@gmail.com (Please use the Friends & Family option) or use this link.  Continue Reading

West Philly-based arts and culture organization Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture has moved to a new location – 3645 Lancaster Avenue. This Friday, Dec. 6, the public is invited to visit their new location during an open house from 5 – 9 p.m. Guests can meet Al-Bustan’s team and enjoy an evening of art, music, food, and mingling.

An art exhibit by West Philly artist Tremain Smith will also be on display at the new Al-Bustan’s location, and guests will have a chance to meet the artist.

“Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is excited to have an administrative and programming hub on Lancaster Ave.,” reads a message on the organization’s Facebook page. “We look forward to building relationships with neighboring residents, businesses, and organizations as we co-create a welcoming cultural hub for all.”  Continue Reading

                             Li Sumpter

The Barnes Foundation continues its community programming in West Philadelphia and will host a special Barnes Presents! event this Thursday, Nov. 7 at The Bank (3750 Lancaster Ave). The event will introduce the Barnes’ current major exhibition, 30 Americans, and will include a conversation about race and equity in the arts. Li Sumpter, a scholar of art, myth, and humanities, and artist Sherman Fleming will participate in the discussion, moderated by the Barnes education team’s Jihan Thomas.  Continue Reading

Indie-Life Media, the Baltimore Avenue based creative agency and co-working/event space, is inviting community members to their First Friday events in celebration of the Arts in West Philadelphia. This Friday (Oct. 4), 5-9 p.m., they will be showcasing the work of local artists Elizabeth Skoufalos, Nathan Grayson, Essence Hampton and Jonathan Metz (see flyer). The family-friendly event also includes arts & crafts for kids and sounds from DJ Rocdaspot. There will also be snacks and drinks for all to enjoy.

Indie-Life, founded in 2014 by local event planner/entrepreneur Rasheed Abdellah, will be convening visual artists to connect and create together at their creative studio at 4616 Baltimore Ave. Indie-Life’s goal for this series is to highlight West Philadelphia as an arts corridor, and to give more artists and makers the opportunity to showcase their work.  Continue Reading

A 19-story mural has been created on the side of the University Square senior community building at 3901 Market Street. The author of this masterpiece is Faith XLVII, an internationally-acclaimed street artist from Cape Town, South Africa. The giant 11,000 square foot artwork was created for Mural Arts Philadelphia.

An inscription on the mural reads: “Maneto Philadelphia: Optimism is a Strategy for Making a Better Future.” The Latin word “maneto” is part of Philadelphia’s city seal and means “to remain” or “to endure.”

The dedication ceremony for the new mural will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m.

The mural, entitled The Silent Watcher, was inspired by the cultural, historical, and social aspects of the neighborhood. It features a strong archetypal female figure towering above pedestrians with a contemplative gaze.  Continue Reading