What is West? is a socially engaged, culturally competent effort to redistribute agency in an often misrepresentative and one-sided narrative of the neighborhood. This series of collaborative, civilian-controlled public art installations will give the authority and tools to define West Philadelphia as it exists for its community. Recognizing lived experience as expertise while utilizing public art as a means of exploration, this project will allow our neighbors to move towards collective healing and justice.
Year 1
Dream Big with Francis Myers Rec Center
Over the course of one year (2022-2023), Philadelphia-based musician, artist and educator Selina Carrera (Cagebird) worked with the community of Francis Myers Rec Center to explore the prompt “What is West?” through music, creative writing, and poetry. In this first year of the project we had the pleasure of hosting 30+ workshops and events engaging with nearly 250 community members. The playlist below is a sample of the in-progress works created by students.
Year 2
Archiving West & Southwest Philadelphia with Malcolm X Park
For year two (2023-2024), Angel Shanel Edwards, a multi-hyphenate artist based in Philadelphia, led free photography workshops and pop-up photography events alongside Malcolm X Park and the surrounding West & Southwest Philadelphia community (Get Fresh Daily, Free Brunch Program, Cinespeaks, etc). The program archived West & Southwest Philadelphia through photographic and land-based explorations alongside other Philadelphia artists (Melissa Simpson & Andrea Walls of Museum of Black Joy).
Year 3
SAFE SPACE PROM
Inspired by Philadelphia's thriving prom culture, the What is West? Facilitators team up with the Teen Art Lab students to create a safe space for creative youth to enjoy prom and explore safety through creativity. Alongside food, performances, and interactive art, an exhibition about the What is West? Project will be shared. This event is on June 7th and is free and open to the public! RSVP is highly encouraged.