There’s a chance to support Ukraine in West Philly. A benefit concert, titled Philly Loves Ukraine, will be held next Friday, April 8 at The Rotunda (40th and Walnut). The concert is featuring well-known local brass band West Philadelphia Orchestra and Sing Slavic, a West Philly-based ensemble.

“Ukrainians are currently facing a brutal invasion simply because of existing as a sovereign state striving for a freer, more democratic, and less corrupt future,” reads a message from the event organizer, Philly Stands With Ukraine (Facebook page). “Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, thousands of people have been killed, and more than 3 million people have fled their homes. To show our support for Ukrainians whose peace, freedom, and lives are threatened, we are organizing a benefit concert in West Philly.” 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

Vision Driven Consulting (VDC), an organization supporting artists through consulting and training, has been running free professional development workshop series at The Rotunda for three years. Recently, they presented a Tax for Artists workshop and have more free workshops coming up at the historic venue at 40th and Walnut.

Intermediate Grant Writing & Funder Panel, which will feature funders from the Knight Foundation, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, Philadelphia Cultural Fund, and Leeway Foundation, will take place on Monday, March 11, from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. More information is available on the Facebook event page.  Continue Reading

West Philly artists are invited to The Rotunda (40th and Walnut) for a couple of events this month – a planning meeting for a community arts project, and a tax workshop.

The community arts project, “When I am the Princess,” will take place on Saturday, March 9 when artists will have the opportunity to read, sing, perform, dance, show and/or exhibit at The Rotunda. The first planning meeting for the project will be this Saturday, Jan. 26, 2:00-3:30 p.m. (the second meeting is on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2:00-3:30 p.m.).  Continue Reading

Artwork by Laura Murdoch.

Need some holiday gifts with some Philly flavor? The annual Go West! Craft Fest holiday edition is this Sunday, Dec. 18 at The Rotunda (near 40th and Walnut) and will feature more than 100 artisan vendors selling handcrafted, locally made items.

Everything from hand-knitted winter clothing to locally made preserves to handmade toys will be available at The Rotunda. This thing has gotten so big over the years that it has now expanded into The Rotunda’s amazing Sanctuary space.

The Go West! Craft Fest runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and here is a list of vendors.

Here’s a fun and free event this weekend that the organizers are hoping will help bring the community together. Two nights of cosplay life drawing will take place on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24 at 7-10 p.m. in one of West Philly’s most well-known venues – The Rotunda (40th and Walnut). Any drawing level is welcome from beginner to maestro. You can bring your own supplies or use the ones provided by the organizers.

Two models in cosplay each night! There will be music provided by WKDU 91.7, projections, and props.

NUMiNOUS Magazine, a publication that focuses on Cosplay, will be there exhibiting on Saturday night.

The event is co-hosted by 40th Street Artist-in-Residence Program, Cosplay Life Drawing Club, and the organizers of the Philly Zine Fest.

Tips for models are appreciated but not necessary.

For more information check out: www.cosplaylifedrawingclub.tumblr.com.