We believe in using the arts as a tool in promoting local economic reinvestment, building strong communities, and improving the physical environment of our service area.
One of the things which makes our part of the city so exciting is the vibrant community of artists which exists throughout our neighborhoods. NKCDC recognizes this strong arts community as a vital tool in our effort to encourage local economic reinvestment and improve the physical environment of our service area. Through our partnership with the Mural Arts Program, NKCDC often teams up with local artists on special projects within our community.
The Coral Street Arts House is a product of NKCDC's commitment to arts in our community. Located at the corner of Coral and Hagert Streets in East Kensington, the Coral Street Arts House is a $7.5 million project which converted an old adandoned textile mill into 27 low-income live/work spaces for artists.
CSAH also hosts artist workshops sponsored by city-wide organizations, such as the Temple University Small Business Development Center. These workshops are designed to educate artists on how to establish a budget, prepare taxes, and successfully market their services. Although these workshops are hosted at CSAH, all local artists are invited and welcome to attend.
In recent years numerous artist studios and art-related business have emerged along Frankford Avenue. In 2004 the city designated Frankford Avenue an "arts corridor", prompting NKCDC to develop the Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor Plan.
Our Economic Development Department also works closely with local artists. Whether it's with helping new artists find studio space or assisting established artists in marketing their talents, our staff is devoted to helping artists thrive in our community!
