What does Taller Puertorriqueño mean for Philadelphia?

Taller Puertorriqueño, the cultural and social center for Latinos in Philadelphia that has been in operation for 43 years, opened a 25,000-square-foot building two years ago in the Fairhill neighborhood . And on July 11, it unveiled a wall of appreciation thanking the officials, community leaders, artists, and educational partners who have supported it for more than four decades.  Read in Spanish

But what does the organization mean for Philadelphia?

“[Taller] brings the work of truly great artists to the city and uses art to help others, especially children, learn and express themselves; which has so many social benefits for our society.”

Michael Norris, director of strategy for the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance .

“This is the place to talk about a combination of experiences that inform a community’s resilience, its settlement in a big city, and how it wants to ensure the stories of its history, its language, and its people are communicated to future generations.”

Councilwoman María Quiñones-Sánchez , whose district includes the Puerto Rican Workshop.

“[The workshop] is a platform for the city to see and declare the value of community, and for other [communities] to echo how art can show the improvement of their people.”

Jennifer Zwilling, curator of artistic programs at The Clay Studio , partnered with Taller Puertorriqueño for “Clay and Conversation,” where residents spoke with local and international artists about their thoughts on gentrification and affordable rent.

Architect Antonio Fiol-Silva says he designed the wall with caution. He wanted to make sure he spelled each name correctly.