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Hip: Arts and Culture
Art of all kinds is accessible, affordable and fun in Philly
Small Places With Big Aspirations
Philadelphia is known for its Impressionists, its Duchamps and its Rodins, but amidst the big name museums are some smaller, edgier art centers that are well worth the trip. The Institute of Contemporary Art is one of the city’s best places to see groundbreaking works with a whimsical flavor such as Lisa Yuskavage’s bombastic nudes or Yoshitoma Nara’s giant animé-inspired sculpture. The Fabric Workshop and Museum’s oft-overlooked permanent collection includes textiles and works in experimental materials by such noted artists as Louise Bourgeois.
The multicultural art on display at Painted Bride Art Center reflects its mission to give voice to marginalized communities and promote social change. The area’s only art center devoted exclusively to Caribbean and Latino art, Taller Puertorriqueño brings in a steady stream of international artists.
For booklovers, The Rosenbach Museum & Library is a hidden delight. In addition to a collection of rare manuscripts and papers by authors such as James Joyce and Marianne Moore, the museum offers changing exhibits and tours devoted to the art of Maurice Sendak or the eccentricities of Lewis Carroll.
Artists On The Edge... Of Greatness
With scores of galleries showcasing everything from paintings and photographs to jewelry and glass works, Old City is usually the first stop on any gallery tour. In the heart of this neighborhood is the Temple Gallery, maintained by Temple University’s Tyler School of Art. Tyler is counted among the city’s four major art schools—which also include Moore College of Art & Design, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and University of the Arts. All four display student art as well as the works of internationally recognized artists. The List Gallery at Swarthmore College and the Arcadia University Art Gallery in Glenside are two other exceptional academic spaces for contemporary works.
The local art scene is bolstered by galleries that specialize in young artists’ works, such as Spector, which has made a name for itself displaying offbeat, affordable pieces.
Visiting an art collective is a great way to see the work in its native habitat. At Vox Populi, solo member shows and video exhibits are the focus; at Basekamp, it’s large-scale collaborative projects; and at Space 1026, it’s skate-punk screen-prints and paintings.
For The Love Of Performing Arts
Founded in 1997, the Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe is held every September. The Live Arts portion of the festival promotes curated events, while the Fringe is open to visual, musical, literary and performance artists from around the world.
During the rest of the year, new theater thrives at the People’s Light and Theatre Company, the Arden Theatre Co. and The Wilma Theater, all of which regularly present the works of emerging playwrights. The New Freedom Theatre, located in an historic mansion in North Philadelphia, is internationally recognized for its contributions to African American theater.
Home to nationally renowned companies like Philadanco and Koresh Dance Company, Philadelphia has become a thriving hub for modern dance. The distinctive, b-boy skills of Rennie Harris PureMovement bring the athleticism of hip-hop dance to the stage, while Headlong Dance Theater combines a range of influences to create witty performances critiquing contemporary culture. In the winter, dance aficionados can get their fill at DanceBoom!, a three-week long, citywide dance festival held at The Wilma.
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