West Philadelphia Uses Art to Confront Neighborhood Problems and Threats to Democracy
Ask students: Why are universities and arts organizations facing challenges with their diversity and arts programs?
Local arts organizations have the power to tackle everything from community challenges to threats against national democracy by expanding access to art. That mission drives one of the country’s most vibrant and diverse artistic hubs in West Philadelphia. Jeffrey Brown reports for our series, Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy and our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
View the transcript of the story. News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
Key Terms
hyperlocal — relating to or focused on a very small geographical community, such as a neighborhood
federated — separate organizations or entities united for a common purpose
Discussion Questions
- Who is Andrew Zitcer?
- When was the Writers Room organization founded?
- What is unique about the Writers Room?
- How does Second Story Collective help community members and students with housing?
- Why are universities and arts organizations facing challenges with their diversity and arts programs?
Focus Questions
Writers Room and Second Story Collective are examples of organizations founded by community members whose primary focus is on specific groups within West Philadelphia. Jeffrey Brown asks Andrew Zitcer if there are limits to being so hyperlocal, to which he responds:
"That question of scale is a fundamental question. So, yes, what we're doing here in West Philadelphia is hyperlocal. What is happening in Chapel Hill or Detroit is also hyperlocal. But can we create a federated movement of people talking about arts, culture, city and democracy that gains strength in its network?"
- What do you think are the pros and cons of a hyperlocal organization? Brainstorm a list and discuss it with a classmate.
- What are some ways that hyperlocal organizations with similar goals in different communities can stay connected? Do you think it's possible to build a successful network across large distances?
Media literacy: Does your community have any local arts organizations that are considered hyperlocal? How can you find out?
Extension Activity
You can find more stories on art, music, film & TV and more at NewsHour's Public Media Arts Hub, CANVAS.
Watch the video below to learn about 'Little Village', an arts project in Detroit focused on creating more arts spaces in the community.
Questions
- What do you think of the idea of real estate developers like Anthony Curis buying buildings in neighborhoods and converting them into arts spaces for the community?
- Delores Orr says that despite Curis making it clear that everybody is welcome to enjoy the new modern arts spaces in the 'Little Village,' the lower-income families in the neighborhood may feel that it's not for them. Why do you think they feel this way? Can you think of any ways that the collective can bridge the gap and help people feel more comfortable?
You can learn more about the local organizations mentioned in this Daily News Lesson by visiting the links below:
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
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