The Big Canvas is Back!

The Big Canvas: A regional dialogue on arts, culture and … your wallet.

The idea of a regional fund to support the arts has been kicked around for decades. Now, for the first time, The Big Canvas project is gathering public input on this idea from all over the region. The goal is to draft a citizen-driven arts and culture strategy for our region. Input from summer Big Canvas forums suggested a wealth of ideas. We’ve organized them into four distinct strategies.

Now comes a fall round of forums, which will give you a chance to talk through these four choices with fellow citizens and taxpayers, and to vote for your favorites. Results will be presented to elected leaders in a concluding event on Dec. 6.

Whether you come primarily as an arts lover or a concerned taxpayer, we want to hear what you have to say. Advance registration requested. Refreshments will be served. Free parking is available.

Saturday, Sept. 20 – Pennsbury Manor
400 Pennsbury Memorial Road, Morrisville
Convenient to Bucks County and Northeast Philadelphia
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; sign-in begins at 10 a.m.

Parents! Please bring the kids for free special activities at William Penn’s country home. Join your children after the forum for a walk on the beautiful grounds.

Monday, Sept. 22 - Chester County Book and Music Co.
975 Paoli Pike, West Chester
Convenient to Chester County, Broomall, Newtown Square
7 to 9:30 p.m.; sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 23 – Glenside Hall
Keswick Avenue and Waverly Road, Glenside
Located opposite the Glenside library, two blocks off Easton Road
Convenient to eastern Montgomery County, Northwest Philadelphia, West Oak Lane
7 to 9:30 p.m.; sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 5 – Moore College of Art and Design
20th and The Parkway, Center City, Philadelphia
7 to 9:30 p.m.; sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 6 – Narberth Borough Hall
On corner of Haverford and Conway Avenues, Narberth
Covenient to lower Main Line and West Philadelphia
7 to 9:30 p.m.; sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 14 - Swarthmore College
The Science Center, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore
Near the north campus entrance off Elm Street
Convenient to Delaware County, Brandywine area
7 to 9:30 p.m.; sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 21 – Greater Plymouth Community Center
2910 Jolly Road, Plymouth Meeting
Convenient to Norristown, North Penn area and Northwest Philadelphia
7 to 9:30 p.m.; sign-in begins at 6:30 p.m.