The Experience
This artistic haven uniquely brings Black expression and feature performances by well-known poets and hip-hop artists to the heart of Philadelphia’s inner city, just a few blocks from Temple University’s campus.
Some of the artists who have displayed their talents here are legendary jazz vocalist Rachelle Ferrell, acclaimed poets Nikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez, authors Terry McMillan and E. Lynn Harris, and hip-hop artists Dead Prez and The Roots.
Recently, the institution has taken over the annual “Celebration of Black Writing,” a gathering of writers from all over the country. There are renowned seminars on self-publishing as well as interactive workshops for aspiring poets and novelists.
History
Founded by Lorene Cary, best-selling author of The Price of a Child and a professor of creative writing at the University of Pennsylvania, the Art Sanctuary is located at the historic Church of the Advocate in the heart of North Philadelphia.
Philadelphia’s Black Power conference was hosted at this site in 1968 and the first women priests in the Episcopal Church were ordained here as well in 1974.