York Arts Week is a week-long citywide event celebrating the cultural richness of York's creative community. Organized by a collection of local businesses and organizations, the first annual York Arts Week 2022 will be held from Saturday, August 20 through Saturday, August 27, with a variety of events occurring all around Downtown York.
“Once we learned that YorkFest is not happening this year, a group of local businesses and arts organizations came together to create an event that compliments and highlights our thriving arts community,” said Jessica Weikert, owner of Revolt Style Studio. The goal of York Arts Week is to increase awareness of the robust artistic community that exists in and around our city, as well as celebrates all the wonderful things these organizations & creators are doing for our city.
"The arts are an important part of what carries culture and community into the future. I am proud of the merchants, organizations, and small businesses that are coming together to host York Arts Week,” said Chelsea Foster, owner of Tetra Design Co & Board President of The Grotto Community Center, adding that “It shows we are all bigger than funding difficulties and closed city contracts. We are determined to bring our community the events and culture it deserves."
“Creative York is proud to partner with York Arts Week to promote all arts in our community,” commented Mindy Christian, Executive Director of Creative York. On the collaborative organization behind the scenes, she noted “It is wonderful to see local arts organizations, businesses, and members of our communities work together to promote the arts and artists which in turn, strengthens our community. The arts foster self-expression and are essential to the development of our community.”
During this week, more than 35 different performances, exhibits, workshops, concerts, tours, and other events will be taking place at over 25 venues throughout York City. Melissa Rosario, co-owner of Cornerstone Barbershop & coordinator of WeCo Walk the Arts, stated “We’re very pleased to take up the mantle of making space for a diverse arts and culture celebration. York Arts Week is a collaborative effort across the city which encourages active participation from the community in the arts.” Some of the events include the 12th annual PA Cigar Box Guitar Festival, 3rd seasonal DreamWrights Block Party, Royal Square District Gallery Crawl, Downtown Chalk Walk, events at Marketview Arts, Creative York, the York History Center, Parliament Arts Organization, and the Appell Center, as well as artist studio tours, walking tours, classes, and workshops, live performances, gallery shows, & more. There will also be several activities for children throughout the week including the Orchestra Petting Zoo at The Curious Little Playhouse, WITF’s “Ready, Set, Explore!” with Daniel Tiger meet & greet, additional events at Keystone Kidspace & CASA, & more.
A complete list of the events planned during York Arts Week can be found at yorkartsweek.com
Regular updates will be posted on the York Arts Week Facebook & Instagram.
