Two things excite us this week. First, the Save Chinatown initiative with a support letter to sign on to and a poetry anthology to buy to support those who are pushing back against the ill-considered 76ers Arena proposed for the Chinatown neighborhood. Second, the City Commerce Department has collaborated with several groups to activate empty storefronts with pop up markets and programming. Yay, City of Philadelphia! Make this a permanent, well-funded stream of programming! Check this out and go see the markets. Enjoy your week and please stay cool in this extreme heat and drink your water!
We received an email from David Acosta recently asking Arts and Culture workers and leaders to support the “No Arena Chinatown” movement. We are in solidarity with this anti-76ers Arena movement and urge you, as arts and culture workers, leaders and arts lovers, to support this movement. Here are two great ways to support:
1. Read David’s letter and sign the support letter linked below to add your name to the “No Arena Chinatown” effort.
2. Purchase a copy of the Save Chinatown: A Poetry Anthology available for $10 at Moonstone Press. Links below to purchase.
NEWS
Arts and Culture workers, leaders, arts lovers, show your support for Chinatown
From David Acosta…As you might be aware, the building of a proposed 76rs Arena in the heart of Chinatown poses a serious threat to this 150 year old Philadelphia cultural treasure. Chinatown is home to a community of residents, businesses and cultural groups and organizations which enrich the lives of its residents, and that of our city.
I am writing as part of the No Arena in Chinatown Community Solidarity (NACS) working group in hopes you would be agreeable to signing onto this letter of support either on behalf of your organization and or as an individual artist, or art patron. Your support in signing this letter and forwarding it to colleagues and other contacts encouraging them to sign it as well, will ensure that the voices of the arts and culture sector are heard as we continue to push back on this existential threat to our beloved Chinatown and to its cultural and gastronomic importance to our city and its residents.
Save Chinatown: A Poetry Anthology: Published by Moonstone Press gathers the voice of poets and writers exploring the meaning, significance and importance of Chinatown in the life of our city and its residents. Edited by David Acosta and Mia Kang. More Information and to purchase.
People shop for locally made clothing, accessories, toys and hand-made crafts at a pop-up shop in a storefront in Philadelphia, organized and supported by a coalition of City and private groups, under the title, “Meantime.” @meantimephl. Photo Credit: AK Kim arekusn.com https://www.arekusn.com/
Pop-Up Markets and Programs Galore fill Empty Storefronts in City-Private Collaboration
Throughout the month of June, Philadelphia-based non-profit Meantime is curating a storefront pop-up including art, music, shopping, workshops and events featuring local makers, creatives and start-up entrepreneurs at 1131 N Front Street in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood.
WEEK 2 programming has been announced and includes an Arts / Crafts market including purchasable artist pieces from Inliquid and craft pieces from Now and Then Marketplace. The storefront will be open to the public Thursday through Saturday 12pm-8pm and Sunday 12PM-6PM.
A full schedule is available on Instagram @meantimephl, and will be updated with additional information throughout the month. Each week, a different co-curator is collaborating with Meantime to bring the space to life with vendor markets, art installations, a film screening, and a music-themed weekend including retail and workshops. Specific partners will be announced in the coming weeks.
Meantime is committed to activating underutilized commercial spaces in an effort to enliven street-life, creative production, and entrepreneurship opportunities for local communities. Since 2022, the Philadelphia-based non-profit has curated two major building activations under the name “Velocities,” inviting the public into unique, underutilized historic architectural spaces to enjoy vendors, workshops, and musical performances. This activation is a pilot project of a planning partnership with the Philadelphia Commerce Department to develop a replicable short-term pop-up model for under-utilized storefronts throughout Philadelphia.
Meantime was inspired by the work and thinking of the Philadelphia-based architectural firm ISA (@isaphila). Meantime is led by Brian Phillips, Deb Katz and Kristin DeMarco.
The Meantime @ Magnet pop-up is funded by the City of Philadelphia Commerce Department, The Sachs Program for Arts Innovation and Callahan Ward / MAR Partners, O’Donnell and Naccarato, Tague Lumber, Church Brick and STUMP Plants.
Confirmed Programming:
JUNE 6-9 : Now and Then Marketplace Mini-Market
JUNE 13-16: Arts and Crafts Market w Inliquid / NownThen
JUNE 19: South Philly Autonomous Cinema Screening
JUNE 20-23: Almost Famous Art Market
JUNE 27-30: Low Pass presents Synths and Coffee
