The evening will feature:

+ A panel and community discussion moderated by Daniel Oliver Tucker, Graduate Program Director of Socially-Engaged Art at Moore College, and the curator behind Organize Your Own: The Politics and Poetry of Self-Determination Movements.
+The panel will be informed by Place Lab learning and participation, about the role of arts & culture in spaces undergoing redevelopment.
+ Panelists include: Carol Zou, Director of Programs at Asian Arts Initiative; Keir Johnston and Ernel Martinez, Founders of Amber Art; Trisha Sealy, Artist and Founder of Blackberry Arts; Snap Shot Anderson, Artist, Photographer, Producer and Founder of LazerGanG Publishing.
+ Sound performances throughout the night by improvisational sound artist, musician, and composer June Lopez, who will use sound to interact with the visual art and history in the space.
+ Celebration of Blackberry Arts and refreshments for all!

PlaceLab is a Chicago-based initiative led by Theaster Gates and made up of leaders from across the sectors of law, urban planning, architecture, social work, design, and arts & culture. Over the past several years, Place Lab has instigated thinking and exchange focused on the 9 principles of ‘ethical redevelopment’ which aims to redefine development from conventional profit-driven approaches to “mindful city-building” and “culture-led neighborhood transformation.”

This event is part of a year-long series of events organized by Amber Art & Design, with the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, and in partnership and with funding from Fairmount Park Conservancy, ArtPlaceAmerica, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.