The Table Sessions, Sattriya Dance Company, May 2024. (Photo by Shannon Sophy)

After 20 years, a West Philadelphia visionary arts group which has staged more than 100 productions, including an ambitious (and sold-out) undertaking supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, is changing its name and evolving. Journey Arts is the new name and branding of Intercultural Journeys, a gem in Philadelphia’s performing arts world.

Journey Arts plans to increase its offerings, including more ambitious and complex shows, seeking new and additional funding, and offer artists more production/development time of projects. And another large-scale production is already underway this coming season.

“Journeys are for seekers – when we create, perform, and witness together, the journey is that much richer and more nuanced,” Carly Rapaport-Stein, Executive Director of Journey Arts said. “Wayfinding together is our artistic beating heart. We seek connection and we are on this journey together. Today, our new name and visual identity match our ethos of artist-forward work and belonging for all.”

The organization was founded in 2002 by four Philadelphians (Carole Haas Gravagno, Udi Bar-David, Majid Alsayegh, and Sheldon Thompson) shortly after September 11, 2001, with the belief that art that finds, celebrates, and promotes our common humanity. The organization has produced vibrant performances for the past 20 years that offer a window into diverse cultures and address difficult, challenging, or conflict-laden issues. Their performances over the years have addressed stories of immigration and migration, the multitude of Black experience in America, and finding reconnection in a post-Covid society.

Journey Arts worked with branding and design group The Devoted to develop its new name and visual identity. The process included focus groups with artists, audiences, donors, staff, and volunteers.

Journey Arts’ 2024-25 season includes the following  productions:

Make Ready Again
Featuring dancer Marguerite Hemmings and musicians from Omar’s Hat.

Eight Eight Time
Featuring composer-pianists Kendrah Butler-Waters, Terry Klinefelter, Suzzette Ortiz, and Pew Fellow Sumi Tonooka. Supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage.

Table Sessions
Featuring cellist and composer Daniel de Jesús.

For more information, visit the organization’s brand new website: www.Journey-Arts.org.

The Table Sessions, Talie, November 2023. (Photo by Steve Weinik)