It's officially March, and in Philadelphia, that means it's time to spotlight the city's army of creative minds and educators shaping today's culture. The Department of Commerce has kicked off Creative Economy and Arts in Education Month, a citywide celebration designed to empower Philadelphia's artistic entrepreneurs, according to a recent announcement by the City of Philadelphia.
The initiative seeks to drive attention to the individuals and organizations whose work not only produces cultural gems but also contributes significantly to Philly's economy. One event, "Resounding Thresholds," will showcase Raúl Romero's unique blend of sound sculpture and installation. The artist is set to share works that explore the intriguing transmission and migration of sound, starting from March 1 and continuing through April 14. Meanwhile, from March 14-17, the city will host its first-ever Greater Philly Yarn Crawl, a perfect opportunity for local fiber art enthusiasts to explore and support businesses dedicated to the craft.
As part of the month's celebrations, the Community College of Philadelphia, in partnership with Resolve Philly and the New School's Journalism + Design lab, plans to boldly equip participants with crucial journalism skills. The Civic Power Workshop Series, running from March 18 to May 6, will provide community members with eight weeks of training on topics ranging from interviewing to designing news products. This workshop series, tackling concepts like amplifying community voices, will be accessible online and conclude with an in-person gathering, cited by officials from the college.
On the business end, CraftNOW and NextFab are setting up their second annual Tools of the Trades conference from March 20-22, aiming to directly connect artisans with the resources they need to thrive. The four-day event will mix lectures with hands-on experiences, intending to foster a collaborative environment for creative growth. SIFTMedia 215 Collective brings an edge to the program on March 22 with "Fall in Love, Not in Line," a film event discussing how comedy and romance can subvert norms and shape society. Finally, to wrap up the festivities, the Department of Commerce will host its Second Annual Creative Economy and Arts in Education Celebration on March 28, promising an evening rich with networking and resource sharing.
Throughout the celebration, a diverse array of partners, including the Mayor’s Office of Youth Engagement, Nerd Street Gamers, and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, have been acknowledged for their role in making this initiative possible. They stand united in shining a light on each creator's impact on Philadelphia's culturally rich and economically vibrant landscape, as stated in the recent release.
