For the first time, locals and visitors will get to experience the Philly Pride Arts Festival — otherwise known as Philly PrideAF.  

Created by a coalition of five Philadelphia-based arts organizations (Cross Keys Theatre Collective, East Passyunk Opera Project, Liberty City Arts, Prismatic Arts Ensemble, and Wear Yellow Proudly), the inaugural showcase will host a month-long, citywide celebration of LGBTQIA+ artists, stories, and community. Creative works will be performed at different venues across the city, with a span of concerts, cabaret, outdoor events, and community engagement activities on the schedule.

“The Philly Pride Arts Festival grew out of a desire to celebrate queer artistry while also caring for one another as a community,” says Katrina Thurman, General and Artistic Director of East Passyunk Opera Project. “At ePOP, we’ve always believed that art is most powerful when it’s shared, accessible, and rooted in connection, and this festival brings that belief to life through collaboration with incredible Philly artists and organizations.”

As a release notes, what uniquely sets the Philly Pride Arts Festival apart is its collaborative structure. Affectionately branded Philly PrideAF, the festival is co-produced by independent arts organizations working together to pool resources, audiences, and creative vision. This model allows the festival “to be rooted in artistic excellence, access, and collective care.”

The festival is also partnering with LGBTQIA+-affirming artists and allies, local businesses, and community organizations, as well as mutual aid organizations serving LGBTQIA+ communities in the city. Different organizations will be highlighted at each event, and while in attendance, audiences can learn more and contribute directly through material and monetary donations.

“This festival is a reflection of what makes Philadelphia so special. We’re fortunate to be part of a community where differences are not only welcomed, but celebrated,” adds Alice Chung and Helen Zhibing Huang, co-founders of Wear Yellow Proudly. “Philly is home to an incredible wealth of artists and small arts organizations that place deep value on community, and it felt like the right moment for all of us to come together. In many ways, this collaboration feels like an ‘Arts UN’, a space where grassroots arts organizations unite to uplift one another and celebrate the richness of our city’s cultural landscape.”

Additionally, a festival-wide internship program will be led by Cross Keys Theatre Collective for alumni of its educational programming as well as emerging arts professionals aged 16 and older, a release also notes. The program offers hands-on experience in production, operations, and community engagement within a large-scale, collaborative festival model.

Events will be in full swing from June 6 to 26. More information, including a full calendar of events and ticketing info, can be found at phillyprideartsfestival.org.

MORE: ‘Transcendent Musings’ celebrates Pride through art and identity

Keywords

Philly PrideAF,

Philadelphia Pride,

LGBTQ artists,

Philadelphia arts,

Pride Month,

Cross Keys Theatre Collective,

East Passyunk Opera Project,

Liberty City Arts,

Prismatic Arts Ensemble,

Wear Yellow Proudly