Last week, a group of people working on a variety of amazing projects in Philadelphia got together for an event called Ignite Philly. The concept of Ignite, originally created by Brady Forrest and Etsy’s own Bre Pettis, is nice and simple: presenters have 5 minutes and 20 slides that rotate automatically after 15 seconds while presenting on any topic.
I took this opportunity to present a project that I have recently been talking about with other amazing, socially-minded and innovative members of Philadelphia’s creative community. Philadelphia has great collaborations right now — a successful coworking space called Indy Hall, a monthly meeting of the minds known as the Junto, the Philadelphia Sewing Collective, which holds classes and hosts fantastic events like the Swap-O-Rama-Rama, plus a host of great little art centers around the city. Aside from thinking about small arts-based businesses, my other passion is improving the neighborhood and city where I live. I’d love to see a productive space where people in Philadelphia can go to use crafting equipment that is either too big or too expensive for them to keep in their living space. Ideally they would have access to physical resources that would help them run their small creative business (fax machines! postal scales! paper cutters!) or simply use big, fancy, expensive machines (spinning wheels! sergers! wood working machines!) that they might not otherwise splurge on for a hobby they enjoy.
As much as I love talking about ideas on how to enhance the creative community in Philadelphia, the best part of Ignite Philly was hearing what the wide range of presenters had to say and seeing all the brilliant things happening in the city I love. Visit Ignite Philly’s website to see more videos from this event!
17 comments
Sign in to add your ownXenotees says:
Awesome news! Philly's on fire! Gotta check this out... Thanks for the heads up Sara!
3 years ago
LSKcrochet says:
So sorry I missed this. I was raised in Philly and now live 30 mins outside of the city.
3 years ago
Mattson says:
Go, Thrilladelphia! Whee!
3 years ago
juliepeach says:
How did I not know about all of this?? I'm checking all of the links now- THANK YOU. Man, I've gotta be more in tune with my city.
3 years ago
sarawearsskirts says:
If you're in or near Philly, also check out the Etsy Team meetings! We meet at the Mew Gallery (9th / christian) at 6pm on the third Friday of the month. Yay Philly!
3 years ago
botodesigns says:
sweeet! sadly I've been away for many Philly Etsy events but I am excited to meet everyone at the Mew Show on July 12 :) Philly rocks!
3 years ago
blackbird72 says:
GO PHILLY! i can't wait to get back closer to you!
3 years ago
numbereight says:
hey! my friend don (nocarrier) was involved with ignite philly...he does some really nifty nes programmed graphics for local shows and make philly too.
3 years ago
hannahfaerie says:
Sounds like fun, wish I could be there. Here is something a bit like it that happens all over the world - http://www.pecha-kucha.org/
3 years ago
hannahfaerie says:
sorry for the double post! I have no idea why it did that!
3 years ago
VerreEncore says:
what a brilliant and forward-thinking idea! :) a great way for people to get together, make things, and experience new opportunities! and of course potentially sell those shnazzy creations here way to go sara!
3 years ago
sixsisters says:
Great article Sara. I think this is a wonderful idea.
3 years ago
mizusugi says:
Philly rocks!!!
3 years ago
MarcellasExcess says:
This is so awesome! I'm gonna check out all the links here...Thanks Sara!
3 years ago
pegasussoaps says:
Wow this is great. I am in Philly all the time as I don't live too far.It is such a neat idea. Go Philly!!!
3 years ago
AlteredStatesClothin says:
Thanks Sara! If I'd known you were presenting, I would've made a bigger effort to get out there! I'm looking forward to finally meeting you all next month :)
3 years ago
sarawearsskirts says:
no-carrier's presentation was amazing! you can catch his video here: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1386484/don_miller_aka_no_carrier_at_ignite_philly/ i'm told there will be another ignite: philly event in september. we'll keep you posted!
3 years ago