In mid-August, a festival in West Philadelphia will showcase various artistic works with the aim of bringing people from different parts of the city together.
The Urban Art Gallery has been working on Urban Art Fest 52 for five years, which will take place on August 17 from noon to 7 p.m. on South 52nd St. between Walnut St. and Spruce St. The cultural fest will reflect the gallery’s desire to “infuse” West Philly communities with the “transformative power of art.”
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“The idea came to me when I was attending other festivals, like the Manayunk Art Festival and the Rittenhouse Square Art Festival,” said Karl Morris, owner of the Urban Art Gallery. “I saw how these events brought people from different neighborhoods together, and I knew we needed something like this in our community.”
At least 25 artists will be at Urban Art Fest 52, exhibiting their work in tents in a variety of art styles including photography, abstract art, surrealism, and digital works.
Six bands will perform on stage, offering a mix of genres such as funk, soul, indie and electronic. The line-up consists of Othneil Chambers Sr., Arthur Thomas and The Funkirium, Balmuor, Lucas Wolfe, Rae Dianz and Ryan Gilfillian.
The festival will be held in conjunction with the African Cultural Art Forum (ACAF) Community Art Day, which focuses on African cultural arts, crafts and performance. Morris said ACAF secured permits for Community Art Day when the Urban Art Gallery was planning its event and the collaboration was a “perfect fit.”
Activities at ACAF’s Community Art Day include a bouncy castle race, face painting, a virtual reality game by XVR Lounge, workshops and a fashion show.
The Urban Art Gallery, located at 262 S. 52nd St., was founded in 2013 with the mission of showcasing emerging artists in the greater tri-state area and offers seven educational programs for youth.
Morris hopes that Urban Art Fest 52 will expand in future years if the first one is successful. Entry to the festival is free.
““The best thing is to take art to the streets and see how it brings people together,” Morris said. “That’s what this festival is all about.”
Urban Art Fest 52 and ACAF Community Art Day
Sunday, August 17th | 12pm-7pm
Free general admission
South 52nd St. from Walnut St. to Spruce St.
