The Free Library Wants Your Art!

By Kate C. RSS Tue, April 18, 2017

Do you know any local artists (and by that, we also mean writers, musicians, performers…) who are seeking a wider audience for their work and would like to get paid for it?

The Free Library is trying out a new concept: Cultureshare!

Based on the community-supported agriculture (CSA) model and funded by Knight Foundation, the Free Library’s new Cultureshare pilot project will aim to connect Philadelphia artists through a free, subscription-based program that curates and distributes locally produced art, music, writing, and performance in conversation with existing holdings of the Free Library.

Said simply, it’s a digital "share" of art from the Free Library to the public.

To kick things off, and to introduce the community to Cultureshare, we’ll be holding a free happy hour info-session with food, drinks, and stations that encourage you to creatively interact (Think guitars! Think Play-Doh!) with the Free Library’s incredible special collections. The event is set for Wednesday, May 3 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in Room 108 of the Parkway Central Library at 1901 Vine Street. There, we’ll officially kick off the submission period for Cultureshare and launch the subscription sign-ups for anyone who wishes to receive the final product!

Can’t make it, but think it sounds interesting? Subscribe to receive more information via email.

In the meantime, help us spread the word by sharing with your arts and culture colleagues, and stay tuned for the more information! Happy creating!


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Is this a children's event? Because, as an adult with an interest in art, I'm not going to be interested in Play Doh. I can't even take that seriously as a legit medium.
Amber
Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Hi Amber, and thank you for the note. The play-doh is just a fun way for the participants at the kick-off to get creative while they eat cheese and drink wine and learn about our initiative. It is not part of the Cultureshare itself. Hope that helps to clarify!
Kate C. - Philadelphia
Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Hi, I'm local writer trying to reach a larger audience. I can't make it to the Wednesday night event. How do I get involved? Thanks in advance, Dan.
Dan DalMonte - Philadelphia
Sunday, April 23, 2017

Hi Dan! You can send an email to cultureshare@freelibrary.org for more info about submissions, and/or to sign up for the share. Hope that helps!
Kate C. - Philadelphia
Monday, April 24, 2017

Connected to many artist.great Way to show case talent
Selmar Jackson - Montgomery county
Monday, April 24, 2017

What form will the product be? Print or electronic versions of submitted work?
JC - Philadelphia
Monday, April 24, 2017

Hi JC, the share will be disseminated digitally.
Kate C. - Philadelphia
Tuesday, April 25, 2017

My name is Terrence Chambers and I too am a local artist in Philadelphia. I think the Cultureshare is a great way for other artists to seek some exposure. This event sounds great but I can't make it. But I'll be on the lookout for future events. You can view my artwork on my website. Good luck to my fellow artist! www.awtc.webs.com
Terrence Chambers - Philadelphia
Saturday, April 29, 2017

I am a storyteller, a spoken word artist, singer, and writer. While I do offer programs for children and families, I am interested in providing storytelling options for adults from performance to instruction. Story telling and sharing offer communal, inspirational, and healing benefits through the cultivation of empathy and cultural awareness--both of self and other ; there is something for everyone. I will look forward to an opportunity to showcase the art.
Denise McCormack - Bordentown
Monday, May 1, 2017

Hi Terrence and Denise! Even if you can't attend the event, please check out our website for information on submitting! And feel free to share with friends! Thanks! https://libwww.freelibrary.org/programs/cultureshare/
Kate C. - Philadelphia
Monday, May 1, 2017

I'm with Amber on the Play-Doh/activities station thing. It's very childish and off-putting; unlike cheese and wine. How will this work? Is the Free Library expecting artists to submit work for free? Pay to advertise their work in the publication?
Japheth
Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Willing to relocate... This is a game changer. I'd like to share www.ilvmyppl.com
Oba William King - Chicago
Tuesday, August 1, 2017