This June, Journey Arts will invite Philadelphians to reflect on identity, memory, and belonging through ‘TO BE HERE,’ a powerful new exhibition and storytelling performance debuting at Christ Church Neighborhood House.
Created by Philadelphia artists Lynda Grace Black and Magda Martinez, the multi-day experience runs June 11 through 13 and blends visual art, live performance, and community storytelling into an intimate portrait of the city and the people who call it home.
At the heart of ‘TO BE HERE’ are the personal stories of participants who explored their journeys to Philadelphia through a year-long series of story circles led by Black and Martinez. Through writing, drawing, and conversation, community members reflected on themes of loss, resilience, transformation, and connection — stories that ultimately became the foundation of both the exhibition and performance.
“’TO BE HERE’ honors the layered identities of Philadelphians and reimagines what it means to belong,” said Marla Burkholder, Artistic Director of Journey Arts. “It creates space for stories that are often unheard, while recognizing the shared threads that connect us.”
The experience begins before audiences even enter the theater. Throughout the space, visitors will encounter deeply personal objects contributed by participants — family photographs, letters, heirlooms, handmade pieces, and other keepsakes carrying memory and meaning across generations.
Inside the performance space, those artifacts become part of a larger living narrative. The performance brings these stories to life through an ensemble of community members with live and recorded storytelling, voices from across generations and backgrounds, and multiple perspectives on what it takes “to be here” in this moment.
Developed in collaboration with theater artist Tanaquil Marquez, the performance centers authentic voices.
‘TO BE HERE’ is part of Journey Arts’ 2025–2026 season, which focuses on works exploring identity, community, and connection, and how individuals and communities draw on lived experiences to navigate change and create meaning together.
‘TO BE HERE’ takes place June 11 to 13 at Christ Church Neighborhood House, 20 N. American Street. For information or to purchase tickets, visit journeyarts.org.
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