Mission

Founded in 1988, Vox Populi is a contemporary art space and artist collective that works to support the challenging and experimental work of under-represented artists with monthly exhibitions, gallery talks, performances, lectures, and related programming. For three decades, Vox Populi has played a unique role in the cultural life of Philadelphia by bringing our audience a diverse range of programming and providing a supportive environment in which artists can take risks and gain valuable professional experience.

With a rotating membership and a commitment to working collectively, Vox Populi is a vital forum for the development and exchange of artistic ideas. Vox Populi’s comprehensive exhibition schedule includes solo shows of both member and guest artists, a curated video lounge, annual guest-curated shows, exchanges with peer organizations and group shows that provide critical exposure for under-represented artists.

Vox Populi is located on the 3rd Floor of 319 North 11th Street, in Philadelphia. Artist receptions are free and open to the public, and take place on the first Friday of each month, from 6–10pm.

History

Vox Populi was founded in 1988 by Ann Karlen (the original director from 1997-2000), Mark Forsythe, Jennie Shanker, Julie Marquart, Jennie Desnouee, Michael Frechette, and Beth Rhodes. Over beers at Dirty Franks, a loose-knit group of Philadelphia artists decided to call a citywide open meeting (publicized through posters, flyers, and word of mouth) to discuss non-existent artistic opportunities and to propose a remedy through self-organization. This first meeting for Vox occurred in a space located on the second floor of 622 S. 4th Street. At the meeting, Vox Populi was formed, and thirty members joined the new collective. Vox’s first location was a three-story building on 4th Street, just south of South Street. Vox moved to a four-story building on 2nd and Church Streets in 1991, and in 2001 moved to 1315 Cherry Street in the Gilbert Building (which housed the Fabric Workshop and Museum), before moving to the current location on 11th Street in 2007.