Delaware County’s arts and cultural organizations are on display throughout the county this week with the seventh annual Delco Arts Week, starting Saturday, Oct. 4, and continuing to Sunday, Oct. 12.
The week’s ode to creativity will feature more than 50 events over nine days, with thousands of residents and visitors enjoying live music, dance, film screenings, gallery exhibitions, workshops, festivals, and hands-on creative experiences for adults and children.
Two fall festivals are in the lineup: the State Street Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 5, in Media and the Fall Fest at the Community Arts Center in Wallingford on Oct. 12.
An open studios event takes place at the Rockdale Arts District on Oct. 12 in the old mill town of Rockdale in Aston.
During the week, attendees will have an opportunity to discover new cultural venues, meet local artists, and connect with those who have a shared love of the arts.
Check out a regularly updated schedule of events for Delco Arts Week.
The family-friendly arts celebration is presented by the Delaware County Arts Consortium, a collaborative of more than 80 arts and cultural organizations
During Delco Arts Week, residents can experience intimate concerts, interactive art activities, provocative exhibits, and inspiring live performances during the week, according to Tara Jones, CEO of the Chester Cultural Arts and Technology Center.
“With events for all ages —several of which are free — this is a unique opportunity to explore the rich and diverse arts scene that makes Delaware County such a special place,” Jones said.
Jones is a two-year member of the Consortium and this year’s Delco Arts Week ambassador, doing everything she can to get the word out, including using promotional videos.
Delaware County is known for its enthusiasm over sports, but there’s a thriving arts community here as well, Jones said.
“It’s important to shine a spotlight on all the diverse talents across the county,” she said..
Delco Arts Week gives the public access to the arts and a chance to discover what’s happening in the county.
The nine-day event has grown in popularity over the years, Jones said, with more community arts groups participating and more residents and visitors attending.
That’s important at a time when many art and cultural nonprofits are losing funding at the national level.
Delco Arts Weeks show that “we’re out here, we’re doing stuff, and it’s worth supporting it,” Jones said.
Delco Arts Week is sponsored by VisitDelcoPA.com and The Foundation for Delaware County, with support from DCIGRA and PECO.
