“How wonderful is it that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
revolutionary
A Love Letter to Philadelphia
Join me as I embark on a uniquely Philadelphian adventure to reflect the light of the future-makers of this city: citizens who are combatting the fear and hopelessness of our current era with a revolution of compassion and action. Throughout the year, I’ll be researching, meeting and documenting individuals, groups and businesses who are transforming the communities and landscapes of our city, culminating in the publication of a book. A photo book to inspire, not to a side, but towards a future.
As a freelance photojournalist and visual anthropologist living and working in the Greater Philadelphia Area, I have a passion for documenting the visual ways in which we are all human, with the hope of connecting and inspiring others to action and compassion through honest, emotional images and stories. I am driven to contribute to the national conversation and reflect the light of the individuals, groups and businesses who are creating hope and making waves in our community.
Ideally, the book will be composed of two to four pages per subject, and will highlight at least 30 individuals, organizations or businesses in Philadelphia who are “being the change they wish to see in the world” through portraiture, photojournalism, and a small story.
I hope to connect these diverse individuals to create greater support and expand their reach, and as well as providing a road map of revolution to others wanting to act.
Anne Frank said, “how wonderful is it that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world,” and like her, I wish to start on the hard work of changing the world I love and reflecting the light of the wonderful people working all around me. We are all vulnerable observers, longing to act; sometimes we just need to see one other person take that step to set our own feet flying.
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Featured Subjects
My subjects will be individuals, organizations and businesses that are diversity-centered game changers who are giving a voice to the people--ALL the people, especially the youth, disabled, immigrant, LGBTQ2, female, homeless, and minority communities of Philadelphia. Unsure how to help create a world that’s fair, sustainable, and accessible to all of our citizens? Consider donating time, products, lip service or funds to these revolutionary works.
Click on the link below to see all my subjects. Check back for updates as my project grows!
Art reach
Art-Reach believes the disability is a product of design rather than diagnosis, and that good design creates a more accessible world. All we have to do is change the world. So that’s what Art-Reach is doing – we’re just starting with the arts. Last year, Art-Reach planned over 1900 accessible trips and created over 230 accessible, immersive art making projects for people with disabilities and low income communities. They partnered with over 250 Philadelphia institutions, such as the Overbrook School for the Blind, PAFA, Penn Museum, the Woodlands, Philly Ballet, Broad St Ministries, Magic Gardens, and many more.
Hand2Paw
This non-profit provides valuable internships and job training to at risk youth while improving the lives of Philadelphia's shelter pets. In 2009, Rachel Cohen came up with the idea to take an activity homeless teens seemed to love – caring for animals – and develop a program to reach and teach homeless and disadvantaged youth what they need to know to function in the adult world. Hand2Paw was born with a volunteer program in 2009 and we have been providing paid internships to disadvantaged youth since 2011.
STAMP
STAMP’s goal is to increase teens’ access to all of the incredible arts and culture Philadelphia has to offer, as a means to discovering their own identities and including culture in their menu of leisure-time options (as we like to say: “a movie, a mall, a museum!”). We want to change teens’ perception of museums as places they’re not welcome, or somewhere you only go if you’re told you have to, like on a field trip.
Freire Students
Since 1999, Freire Charter School has been a catalyst for unlocking the potential of some of Philadelphia’s most underserved youth. Their rigorous college preparatory program and a commitment to peace and nonviolence in our community – both within our walls and beyond — are churning out community oriented and civic-minded citizens anxious to make a difference.
Arden Theatre
The creators at the Arden Theatre believe in the power of stories to bring people together. They work to build a vital community of artists who excel creatively through shared experiences and with whom our audiences identify, especially within the underrepresented minority and LGBTQ communities. The Arden strives to be Philadelphia’s hometown theatre; they seek community partnerships and collaborations, make their work affordable and accessible, and train the next generation of theatre leaders, contributing to the region’s cultural landscape.
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Sponsors & Supporters
No one changes the world alone.
My endless thanks goes to Jane McNeil, who believes those with privilege must lift those without it into the light, and to John Orr and Art-Reach, who fight to help all citizens access and enjoy this wonderful city we call home.
If you are interested in gifting a matching, tax deductible donation to this project, reach out to me directly at ashley@wideeyedstudios.com. Together, we can show the world what it means to be from Philadelphia.
Jane Mcneil, the Lily Foundation
Jane and Rory McNeil run the private family organization the Lily Foundation, in honor of Jane’s mother. Its main mission is to help women and children.
Art Reach
Art-Reach believes that disability is a product of design rather than diagnosis, and that good design creates a more accessible world. All we have to do is change the world. So that’s what Art-Reach is doing – we’re just starting with the arts.
Revolutionary
A History of Revolution
Philadelphia--also known as the “City of Brotherly Love” and a vocal sanctuary city--has long been a center for innovation, creation, connection, rebellion and history-making. In 2019, as in 1776, I have seen the people of Philadelphia rise to the challenge, pushing back through individual works, organizations, protests, political action and social activism. We are becoming Revolutionary again. I believe that the nation needs that hope and inspiration right now: “Look at how a single candle can both define and defy the darkness”, said Anne Frank. I began my proposed book, “Revolutionary,” to illuminate the visionary people and deeds that are lighting a fire in their communities and creating a future we can be proud of, just like our forefathers.
GQ named Philadelphia the city of the year in 2018, and said this:
“Eagles players became activists, speaking out about the flawed criminal-justice system. Donald Trump disinvited the team from visiting the White House out of spite; our mayor, Jim Kenney, then called our president “a fragile egomaniac obsessed with crowd size.” Our recently elected District Attorney, Larry Krasner, is the most progressive D.A. in the entire country. Our restaurants now regularly grace Bon Appétit’s Best New Restaurants list. Will Smith joined Instagram and immediately became incredible at it. You don’t have to sell your plasma or your soul to afford an apartment in the city. It just feels … different in Philadelphia these days. Downright victorious, even.”
It’s easy for elected officials, sports teams and the entertainment industry to get good press, but there is so much more happening in this city that deserve attention and support. Learn more about my revolutionary subjects to get more involved in our communities. Connection, rather than divisiveness, is the key to creating a world for all people.
As Benjamin Franklin said, “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.”
“You never change things by fighting against the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.”
