About

Our Story

Olney Culture Lab of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia was founded in January 2014, after the conclusion of ArtsRising, the initiative that served as an incubator for what would become Olney Culture Lab.

The growth of Olney Culture Lab since 2014 has been a steady climb of an ever-increasing calendar of robust cultural events, programs and partnerships.

A diverse group of four musicians performs outdoors, playing a double bass, trombone, saxophone, and trumpet.

Vision

At Olney Culture Lab, we believe that culture can be a catalyst for community development and social change.

Mission

Our mission is to celebrate cultural assets by designing and producing events and programs that showcase the multitude of diverse cultural expression found in the greater Olney neighborhood of Philadelphia. By strengthening networks in the community and creating strategic alignment of cultural assets and resources, we increase social capital and a sense of civic pride.

Core Values

Community Co-Creation

We bring together diverse perspectives and talents to create programming that reflects our community's multifaceted identity.

Place-Making & Keeping

We cultivate a deep sense of place and belonging by highlighting the richness that exists within our neighborhood.

Economic Empowerment through Arts & Culture

We recognize the power of creative and cultural expression as economic drivers for our community. We strive to create pathways for artists, cultural practitioners, and residents to build sustainable livelihoods, develop transferable skills, and access economic opportunities through our programming and partnerships.

Artistic Excellence and Innovation

We pursue high-quality artistic expressions that push creative boundaries while ensuring our programming remains accessible to all community members regardless of physical, economic, or social barriers.

Cultural Celebration

We honor and amplify the diverse cultural expressions that make our community unique, believing that cultural heritage is a source of strength and identity.

Sustainable Impact

We support environmental stewardship through creative engagement and develop programs and partnerships designed to create lasting positive change in our community's social fabric and cultural landscape.