What is West?

The Arts League

Journalist and writer Sofiya Ballin. Photo by Emmanuel Afolabi.

Pew Fellow angel shanel edwards, untitled collage.

University City Arts League community arts program. Photo by Daniel Collier.

Recipient

Grant Year 2022

Grant Amount $212,580

Status Active

Updated May 13, 2025

Community-designed public art installations express the character and creativity of West Philadelphia, centering on the neighborhood’s cultural and racial diversity. Working in collaboration with lead artists Selina Carrera and Pew Fellow angel shanel edwards, residents engage in discussions and art-making workshops including spoken word, video, collage, and movement-based mediums. Final works are installed at public sites throughout West Philadelphia. Community-authored essays and a short documentary by journalist and filmmaker Sofiya Ballin create a historical record of the community's responses to the project.

The total grant amount represents project funding plus an additional 20% in unrestricted general operating support.

Primary EventsEvents & Exhibitions

What is West? Safe Space Prom

Jun 7, 2025
3 p.m.–9 p.m.
The Arts League
4226 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104

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Recipient

The Arts League

The Arts League is a neighborhood hub for arts education in West Philadelphia, serving surrounding schools, community centers, individuals, and neighbors. The organization's contemporary art center champions intergenerational learning with a wide array of visual and performing arts programs, classes, workshops and residencies.

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