Another insightful piece in the Nicola Midnight St. Claire about Philadelphia and the alternative art scene versus the mainstream scene (or lack thereof).

Nicole Wilson writes a hybrid Dear-John-letter and well-researched-report on why artists are attracted to Philadelphia, but ultimately leave it for greener pastures.

[T]here has been a mass exodus of artful residents leaving the city. And it seems as though the reason that everyone is leaving Philadelphia is the same reason they came.

Wilson writes not only from her own perspective, but from a myriad of sources including Anna Neighbor, Extra Extra, Rebekah Templeton, and Possible Projects (to name a few).  The effect of this rich chorus is to question one’s own commitment to Philadelphia.  Nevertheless, I come out the other side and find comfort in the words of former Vox member and local artist, Anna Neighbor:

“People are doing things on their own terms” which, to her, is an extension of why people become artists.  “To define your own vision and to put it out there… and then to have a space to put it in” that was built with similar vision and intention is important.

Go to: http://the-st-claire.com/0712/0712_review3.html