Several Philadelphia’s cultural institutions and agencies, including the Academy of Natural Sciences, The Barnes Foundation and WHYY, are offering free summer learning opportunities for children ages 5 and under and their families.

A number of activities and programs have been scheduled at various locations in West Philadelphia through mid-August (for more locations, check out the Summer Pod Brochure 2022):

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
Discover, Play, Share: Summer Family Fun

When: July 23 and August 6, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

Where: Mt. Vernon Park, 37th and Mt. Vernon St.

What: Outdoor storytimes, puppet shows, STEAM experiments, music, and movement. Take-home learn-and-play kits and snacks. Continue Reading

Last year’s “Everyday Places” program participant Karen Smith-Sistah’s Laying On Hands (photo courtesy of Barnes West).

The Barnes Foundation and People’s Emergency Center (PEC) have announced seven West Philadelphia-based social-impact artists who have been selected to participate in the second annual Everyday Places Artist Partnerships initiative: Nikki Brake-Sillá, Shanina Dionna, Gigi McGraw, Anssumane Silla, Jaime Wiesner (Instagram page) & Joanna Booth, and Yidan Zeng.

This year’s cohort of artists will partner with “everyday” locations in the neighborhood—public parks, civic centers, businesses and community organizations—to build interactive, participatory projects that engage with the business or site and residents. The 2022 Places are:

• University Square Complex
• Malcolm X Park
• Urban Art Gallery
• ​​New Africa Freedom Center/Square
• Clark Park
• Mantua Civic Association
• Drexel University Dornsife Center Continue Reading

The Barnes Foundation, People’s Emergency Center (PEC), and PEC Community Development Corporation, through their collaborative initiative Barnes West, present Everyday Places Artist Partnerships, featuring five West Philadelphia-based artists creating site-specific works throughout neighborhood, engaging local businesses & community members.

WHAT: Launch party for Everyday Places Artist Partnerships. An opportunity to meet the Barnes West team and participating artists, as well as learn how the public can get involved with each artist’s project. There will be live music from Sound Village, spinning tunes from the early 2000’s to the present day, light refreshments, and art activities.

WHO:

– Participating artists: Jahwula Seapoe, Karen Smith, Keyonna Butler, Andrea Walls, and Marshall James Kavanaugh

– Val Gay, Deputy Director of Audience Engagement & Chief Experience Officer, The Barnes Foundation

– James Wright, Director of Community, Economic, and Real Estate Development at PECCDC

WHEN: Thursday, July 29, 5:30 – 7 pm

WHERE: “The Bank,” located at 3750 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104. (The party will take place outdoors). Rain plan: 4050 Haverford, Philadelphia, PA 19104, in the community room accessible via Preston St (indoors). Rain call will be made Thursday morning and will be posted on the event Facebook and Eventbrite links.

Details and updates about projects are available at pec-cares.org/barneswest

Presented by Rock to the Future and REC Philly

Wednesday 4/21 7-8pm
Free
Tickets and info: https://rocktothefuture.org/musicforall

Philadelphia’s creative economy is a powerful tool for community empowerment; however, not everyone has equal access to the arts. Hear from movers and shakers in the Philadelphia creative scene about the importance of equal access to arts education in society and how art can be a catalyst for social change.

Moderator: Will Toms, Co-Founder of REC Philly

Panelists:
Jessica Craft, CEO and Founder of Rock to the Future
Valerie V. Gay, Deputy Director for Audience Engagement & Chief Experience Officer at the Barnes Foundation
Ryan Harris, Founder of As I Plant This Seed
Bruce Warren, Assistant Station Manager for Programming at WXPN and Executive Producer of World Cafe

This panel discussion is part of Rock to the Future’s Music for All Digital Ball, a 3-day virtual series to celebrate the benefits and joys of music education. The event series supports Rock to the Future’s mission of providing free, student-driven music programs for youth in under-resourced schools and communities.

To increase access to our programs, all tickets are free, with donations welcome.

Details and registration: https://rocktothefuture.org/musicforall

Presented by Rock to the Future and REC Philly

Wednesday 4/21 7-8pm
Free
Tickets and info: https://rocktothefuture.org/musicforall

Philadelphia’s creative economy is a powerful tool for community empowerment; however, not everyone has equal access to the arts. Hear from movers and shakers in the Philadelphia creative scene about the importance of equal access to arts education in society and how art can be a catalyst for social change.

Moderator: Will Toms, Co-Founder of REC Philly

Panelists:
Jessica Craft, CEO and Founder of Rock to the Future
Valerie V. Gay, Deputy Director for Audience Engagement & Chief Experience Officer at the Barnes Foundation
Ryan Harris, Founder of As I Plant This Seed
Bruce Warren, Assistant Station Manager for Programming at WXPN and Executive Producer of World Cafe

This panel discussion is part of Rock to the Future’s Music for All Digital Ball, a 3-day virtual series to celebrate the benefits and joys of music education. The event series supports Rock to the Future’s mission of providing free, student-driven music programs for youth in under-resourced schools and communities.

To increase access to our programs, all tickets are free, with donations welcome.

Details and registration: https://rocktothefuture.org/musicforall

Join youth arts nonprofit ArtWell for an evening of performances as they recognize extraordinary leaders from the Philadelphia community — Sidney Hargro, Jennifer Templeton Simpson, and L’tajh Carter — and commemorate 20 years of arts programs with a free virtual presentation of their biennial ArtWell Awards.

Past ArtWell Award recipients include Philadelphia Councilmember Helen Gym, esteemed poet Sonia Sanchez and iconic filmmaker Spike Lee.

Guest speakers and performers include Ibiyinka Alao, Arts Ambassador to the United Nations; Valerie Gay, Deputy Director for Audience Engagement & Chief Experience Officer for the Barnes Foundation; poet and performer Jamal Parker; musicians Marcy Francis, Jan Jeffries, and Anssumane Sillá; and lyricist and activist Lyrispect.

The 2020 ArtWell Awards will take place on Thursday, November 12, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

To join the free virtual event, visit: https://theArtWell.org/2020

Contributions to the 2020 ArtWell Awards support ArtWell’s mission to provide underserved youth and communities in Philadelphia with nationally recognized, multidisciplinary arts programs.