Above: SPACES Episode 1: Designing Together from The Village.

The SPACES Artists-in-Residence program at The Village of Arts and Humanities in Philadelphia, a winner of the 2013 Knight Arts Challenge, offers a new spin on the artist residency model.

Instead of working in remote solitude, SPACES artists move into colorful row homes in the heart of North Philadelphia. More “residents” than “in residence,” the artists work alongside their new neighbors to amplify the gifts and stories of the community and creatively strengthen our neighborhood as a whole. 

SPACES began its first cycle on June 14, 2014, with two different residencies. Renowned music producer King Britt is working with neighborhood musicians to record an album of their work and start a radio station amplifying the voice of North Philly. And the Philadelphia-based Amber Art + Design Collective is creating large-scale community meals in our art parks that feature remixed recipes by local cooks. Both projects have already blossomed in unexpected ways. 

To hear from the artists themselves and take a walk down our block in North Philadelphia, watch “SPACES Episode 1: Designing Together,” the first in our series of short films documenting the project. You can follow our daily updates on the project at http://villagespaces.tumblr.com. 

Lillian Dunn is SPACES program manager.