A People’s Philly is a collaborative public exhibition and programming project grounded in spatial imagination as a political practice. At its core, it invites viewers to consider how collective care might transform the city and the possibilities we envision for its future.

Situated within a moment of national commemoration and critique, and inspired by the legacy of the 1976 Bicentennial protests and the visionary work of grassroots Philadelphia organizations, the project foregrounds how community-led movements for spatial justice, liberatory activism, and shared stewardship shape the city’s present and future. Through collective study, community workshops, and youth design education, it explores how speculative practice can serve as a form of civic engagement and world-making.

A People’s Philly  approaches design not as a neutral or technical exercise, but as a political and ethical practice grounded in accountability and solidarity. It asserts that more just spatial futures are not produced through abstract planning or isolated authorship, but through collective struggle, care, study, and collaboration. The exhibition uses speculation to question what is, while opening space for what might be possible.

A People’s Philly will be on display at the 2026 DesignPhiladelphia Festival at the Village of Industry & Arts in Center City, Philadelphia from October 1 until October 11.

Exhibition opening times are from 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM