AUTOMAT panel grapples with the future of Philly artists’ spaces

What’s the future of artist spaces in our city, and their role in the art community? What are the pros and cons of participating in artist-run galleries versus commercial ones? An artist collective at Callowhill’s 319 Building is inviting local art makers and art lovers to talk it out on April 9.

Cause and Effect: Artist-Run Spaces in Philadelphia is happening at 319’s AUTOMAT collective. AUTOMAT, founded by a team of recent PAFA alums in 2015, recently celebrated its first birthday (here’s our WNWN look at their launch). The discussion will feature a panel including Jacob Feige, artist and assistant professor of art at Stockton University; Scott Kip (whose studio is also housed by 319), the restoration woodworker for Friends of the Wanamaker Organ; and Marginal Utility gallery co-founders David Dempewolf and Yuka Yokoyama.

The backdrop for the panel is AUTOMAT’s current exhibition, INGRAINED, from Abby King and Marie Manski, which is inspired by the varied history of the building itself: “Graffiti. BDSM. Cigars. Sewing. The 319 N. 11th Street contains multitudes.” The show runs through April 15.

Cause and Effect: Artist-Run Spaces in Philadelphia is coming to AUTOMAT at 319 N. 11th Street, Philadelphia, on Saturday, April 9 at 4pm. If you can’t make it, look out next week for BSR’s coverage of the conversation.