A printmaking shop that provides local artists with the tools to make books and zines is seeking donations to move into a bigger space.
The Soapbox, currently located at 47th Street and Kingsessing Avenue, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support its upcoming move. The community studio says it needs $50,000 to settle into a new location at 4542 Baltimore Ave. this spring. According to the campaign website, this West Philly spot will be larger and more accessible to members, who pay monthly fees for access to a letterpress, risograph, book press, etching press, computer lab and screen printing equipment.
MORE: James Ijames’ latest play, ‘Good Bones,’ turns Sixers arena saga into allegory on gentrification
The new location will span roughly 7,000 square feet, more than double the size of the Soapbox’s current home. It will also have two entrances that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act standards for accessibility — the Kingsessing Avenue address only has one — and better visibility due to its street level space and garage door that opens directly onto the sidewalk.
In addition to providing access to expensive tools, the Soapbox maintains a zine and artist book library of over 3,500 titles. It also offers workshops and private lessons. The nonprofit has been at its current location for the past seven years.
A like-minded community space and library mounted a similar effort last fall. The West Philly Tool Library sought funds to support its relocation after its lease at 1314 S. 47th St. was not renewed. It ultimately moved across the Schuylkill River to 1223 S. Harmony St., reaching over 90% of its crowdfunding goal.
As of Monday afternoon, the Soapbox campaign has raised a little over $1,000.
This story has been updated with additional details from The Soapbox.
Follow Kristin & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @kristin_hunt
| @thePhillyVoice
Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice
Have a news tip? Let us know.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
