University City Arts League

Founded in 1967, the Arts League (University City Arts League, ucal, tal) is the neighborhood hub for Arts education in west philadelphia. Our contemporary art center champions intergenerational learning with a wide array of visual and performing Arts programs, classes, workshops, and residencies. We are committed to our relationships with surrounding schools, community centers, individuals, and our neighbors. Historically dedicated to cultivating and sustaining new talent by way of offering consistent paid opportunities, professional development, and exhibiting space to the broader Arts community. The Arts League functions as an amplifier for creative voices of all backgrounds, providing the space for exploration, growth, and joy. Our programming is split between three main areas; community Arts, classes and workshops and in-school residencies. We have ongoing relationships with eight local elementary and middle schools, four recreational centers and public parks as well as a dozen local collaborations with organizations throughout the year. All of which are in west and southwest philadelphia, and University City.

Our community Arts (ca) program is dedicated to offering comprehensive Arts education to school-age students in west philadelphia, ensuring accessibility by providing the program for free. Participants receive all necessary supplies and materials, along with transportation to and from the facility when needed. The initiative collaborates with three local elementary and middle schools, four recreational centers, public parks, and various organizations in west and southwest philadelphia, including University City. The program's reach extends to the 19104, 19131, 19151, 19139, 19143, 19142, 19145, and 19153 zip codes, serving an annual average of 3,000 people. Notably, 39% of the onsite program audience falls under the low-income category, while a higher percentage, 87%, of the outreach audience is considered low-income. Children under the age of 18 constitute 56% of all program participants. The ca program focuses on fostering high- quality Arts education and engagement within the community, emphasizing inclusivity and eliminating financial barriers for participants. By collaborating with local schools, recreational centers, and organizations, the program plays a crucial role in bringing the benefits of Arts education to a diverse range of individuals in west philadelphia and surrounding areas.