West Philly Printmaking Shop Seeks Funding to Expand into Larger Space
The Soapbox, a local printmaking studio and community space, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the $50,000 needed to relocate to its new 7,000-square-foot location at 4542 Baltimore Avenue. The current home on 47th Street and Kingsessing Avenue will be abandoned as the nonprofit expands into a more accessible and visible space.
Located in West Philly, the new facility boasts two entrances that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards, a significant improvement over its current single entrance. With a larger footprint, the studio will provide better visibility to passersby through its garage door that opens directly onto the sidewalk.
Beyond providing access to expensive equipment like letterpresses and etching presses, The Soapbox maintains an extensive library of 3,500 zines and artist books for members' use. The nonprofit also offers workshops, private lessons, and a monthly fee-based model for artists to utilize its resources.
Following in the footsteps of another community-focused organization, the West Philly Tool Library's successful crowdfunding campaign last fall, The Soapbox aims to replicate this success. While their campaign has yet to reach 90% funding like its predecessor, they currently have over $1,000 raised as of Monday afternoon.
As the printmaking studio continues to grow and expand into a more accessible space for local artists, it remains to be seen whether their fundraising efforts will meet their $50,000 goal.
The Soapbox, a local printmaking studio and community space, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the $50,000 needed to relocate to its new 7,000-square-foot location at 4542 Baltimore Avenue. The current home on 47th Street and Kingsessing Avenue will be abandoned as the nonprofit expands into a more accessible and visible space.
Located in West Philly, the new facility boasts two entrances that meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards, a significant improvement over its current single entrance. With a larger footprint, the studio will provide better visibility to passersby through its garage door that opens directly onto the sidewalk.
Beyond providing access to expensive equipment like letterpresses and etching presses, The Soapbox maintains an extensive library of 3,500 zines and artist books for members' use. The nonprofit also offers workshops, private lessons, and a monthly fee-based model for artists to utilize its resources.
Following in the footsteps of another community-focused organization, the West Philly Tool Library's successful crowdfunding campaign last fall, The Soapbox aims to replicate this success. While their campaign has yet to reach 90% funding like its predecessor, they currently have over $1,000 raised as of Monday afternoon.
As the printmaking studio continues to grow and expand into a more accessible space for local artists, it remains to be seen whether their fundraising efforts will meet their $50,000 goal.
! They're literally doing my heart good by creating this amazing community space that promotes art & creativity in West Philly 
Not only will the new location have better accessibility for people with disabilities 
, but it'll also make those gorgeous prints & zines more visible to everyone on the street 
. I'm all about supporting local businesses and artists who are making a difference in their community 
! Let's get that fundraising campaign over 90% ASAP, The Soapbox is counting on us 
#TheSoapboxDeservesLove #WestPhillyArtScene #CommunityFirst
just thinkin' about the Soapbox's new spot is giving me life 
they're goin down from that tiny spot on 47th street to a legit huge space at Baltimore ave, it's gonna be lit 
and i love how they're makin' sure ADA standards are met too, accessibility matters 
i'm all about supportin the local artists and community spaces like The Soapbox 
. I'd totally donate some cash (if I didn't have bills to pay, lol) if I knew how the funds would be used. Let's keep our fingers crossed that they hit their goal and can make this new space a reality! 
its like 7k sq ft now which is way more accessible for ppl w/disabilities 
but they still need $50k to make it happen 
. Fingers crossed for them lol! 
but like, I'm also kinda worried they're gonna lose some of that super chill, DIY energy they had going on before 
. i mean, when u got a place with a single entrance, it's all about the community coming together & sharing resources – it's not just about having fancy equipment 
. but at the same time, more visibility can be good for the arts scene in west philly