The arts are reawakening in Delaware County.

The third annual Delco Arts Week is approaching, virtually and in-person.

The week of Saturday, Oct. 2 through Saturday, Oct. 9 has a full roster of activities, events, concerts, exhibits and more to experience.

Delaware County will host more than 60 events—many that are free to the public—from concerts, film, and dance, to exhibitions, festivals, theater, kids’ activities and more.

Sample what Delaware County artistic groups have to offer as you explore. Visit the events calendar to see what’s happening.

From performances by the nation’s first community theater, to professional musical performances, ballet companies, distinctive galleries, history museums and classes for people of all ages, there’s plenty of “Delco arts” to pick and choose.

Foundation for Delaware County

The Foundation for Delaware County is once again one of the sponsors of Delco Arts Week.

On Thursday, Oct. 7, at 5 p.m., The Foundation for Delaware County and the Media Arts Council (MAC) will have a virtual opening of The Shape of Hope, a juried art show featured during Delco Arts Week.

The show highlights 2-dimensional original art work relating to the interpretation of the theme, “Shape of Hope.”

“We invite you to join us for the opening of The Shape of Hope, a juried art show to enjoy the work of a few amazing Delaware County artists and celebrate the show’s prize winners,” Foundation President Frances Sheehan said.

Register here to attend the virtual opening.  

In addition to the virtual opening, the exhibition will be on display at The Foundation for Delaware County offices at 200 E. State Street, Suite 304 in Media Borough.

“The Foundation for Delaware County is delighted to sponsor the third annual Delco Arts Week in October,” Sheehan said.  “The arts are a critical component to the well-being of Delaware County residents, and we are honored to support so many wonderful arts and culture events around the county.”

The organizers

The week-long activities for Delco Arts Week are coordinated and promoted through The Delaware County Arts Consortium (DCAC),  a collaborative of 80 cultural groups in the county  supporting the economic vitality of nonprofit arts and cultural groups in the community.

“The arts and culture sector in Delco has never been more vital and is set to reemerge stronger than ever from the pandemic,” says Eric Thompson, executive director of Darlington Arts Center and Consortium member, who is on the steering committee for Delco Arts Week. “Delco Arts Week is a celebration of the return of the arts. We welcome all to experience something truly amazing and tap into your creative side with your community. There is something for everyone, each day of the week, all across the county.”

For more information on DCAC, contact them at info@delcoarts.org.

Delco Arts Week is also presented by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.

The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance provides a broad array of services and resources for the cultural sector, both for professionals in the field as well as the public at large.

Find out more at PhilaCulture.org.

Follow Delco Arts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About the Foundation for Delaware County

The Foundation for Delaware County’s mission is to create a vibrant future for Delaware County by promoting generosity in and for the people of our county, improving the well-being of residents, and energizing participation and partnership across our communities.

Find out more about the Foundation for Delaware County.

Here’s a tour of the Darlington Arts Center from last year’s Delco Arts Week.