Rob Lee: Welcome back to The Truth in His Art. These are conversations connecting arts, culture, and community. These are stories that matter, and I am your host, Rob Lee. Today, we're running it back, and I'm welcoming back my next guest. As co-executive director of External Relations and Community Impact at CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia.
They're work centers on supporting creatives, fostering collaboration, and making space for culture to thrive. We last spoke in 2023, and I'm eager to catch up. Please welcome back on to the program, Ariel Shelton. Welcome back to the podcast.
Ariel Shelton: Hello, hello. Nice to be back.
Rob Lee: Nice to have you on. Nice to have you rejoin in the pod. It's been two years, almost to the day, two years that you were last on, or I last put the episode out. A lot has changed in a couple of years since we last chatted. For those who are undibbed, unfamiliar, and before we get to the main questions, could you reintroduce yourself and share something that has inspired you recently?
Ariel Shelton: That's a great question. Yeah, so my name is Ariel Shelton. I currently serve as the co-executive director for an organization called CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, and I moved to Philadelphia about a year and two months ago, November 2023, to be precise, to take this gig because it aligns with so much of what I've always been into. My thing has always been, how can we share resources with one another? How can we tap into the brain trust?
How can we trust that we know what we need to know within our own communities and create pathways and opportunities to share resources as necessary? And what CultureWorks does is it's a fiscal sponsor for about 94 different organizations and entities throughout the city of Philadelphia, ranging across interests like film, literature, gun violence protection, or prevention, excuse me, food security, you name it, and everything that can be labeled as a cultural cause is represented within our community, which I'm really proud of. We also have a physical shared space, a co-working space, which is where I'm seated now, that's based right in center city, just a block and a half away or so from city halls, so in a really great and convenient location for folks, you know, looking to make sure their voices are heard as policies drive forward and, you know, new business models and opportunities emerge during these times. So, yeah, before coming here to CultureWorks, I co-founded an organization called the Arts Administrators of Color Network, which I'm very proud of, and yeah, in similar vein, like, you know, we started that saying with, you know, into one another, look, we have what we need within, you know, our different communities, you know, with these different interests and causes, how can we come together and, you know, host panel discussions and professional development sessions and capacity building support, you know, for one another in a way that feels nurturing and protected and safe. And so, yeah, I've carried that vibe, you know, into my current station, and I'm, again, just really proud to be able to learn and grow every day with the folks around me in that effort.
Rob Lee: That's great. And in terms of current inspirations?
Ariel Shelton: Yes, current inspirations. Yeah, current inspirations. I mean, I just saw one of my favorites walk past the meeting room I'm in right now. I'll give him a shout out because people are going to be so warmly. His name is Gregory Walker. He's been running a program called the Brothers Network for, I believe, 25 years. He's going to be mad at me if I have that number incorrect, but he's been doing it for a minute, you know, and I got a chance to catch this theater production that he put on called the American War, where it examined the journey of a black man in corporate America, but through the lens of being a Shakespearean play performer or actor.
And like all of the nuances therein, you know, where like you walk into a room and somebody assumes something about you or you, whatever. I mean, I don't want to articulate things in the incorrect way, but it was a phenomenal performance and just really, yeah, provocative and like about it. And yeah, Gregory has been doing stuff like that. Like I said, for 25 plus years, you know, just like elevating stories specifically tied to black men unapologetically, you know, but with the support of others, you know, around and elevating those stories. So that was super inspirational for me.
Yeah, just like in general right now, I'm inspired by anybody that's fearless, like just super fearless. I think there's a lot happening to try to, you know, put us off game or rock. What we know is necessary and right based on the history of this nation and all of the cultural dynamics in each city therein, you know. And so I'm just deeply inspired by anybody that is like, I see and I hear this noise. I'm gonna keep doing what I've been doing, you know. So yeah, I love that.
Rob Lee: And I like how you put the plus on there too. So shout out to you 25 plus. I like that.
Ariel Shelton: It's like, yeah, it's right. Like, yeah, at least 25. I'm pretty sure.
Rob Lee: But yeah. And as I shared with you in the sort of like the pre pre recording meeting, meeting, meeting, talk, talk, talk, you know, kind of the same thing I'm inspired by that as well. This sort of gumption of, I don't know how I'm going to get there, but I'm gonna get happen. And that's sort of what my approach has been with doing this season and sort of doing what I do overall. Like, you know, I went into this podcast or even going into doing interviews in Philadelphia.
You know, there was some initial like, thought like, I don't want to leave Baltimore. Do I want to shift this? This has changed it? Is it how is it going to be received? Nothing. I'm curious about it. I'm interested in it. And then let's just make it happen. So, and we'll definitely talk about that Philadelphia connection a bit more as we go further into this conversation. But the sort next question that I have is because you kind of answered one of the other ones. So, like I say, you let folks cook.
They kind of, you know, give you gold. So, we're recording this on a Thursday. So, you know, we're most of the week done.
So, let's contain it to this week. What does a typical day look like for you? Like for this week? What's the typical day of this week look like for you or the week?
Ariel Shelton: That's a great question. I mean, every day is different. I can give you like, I don't know, I'll give you the rundown between yesterday, today and tomorrow because that's freshest in my head. That's cool. So, yeah, yesterday, I caught up on a bunch of website updates and social media, you know, posts to pass along to the woman that does contract work for us around social media. And then in the evening, we held a fundraising workshop that was led by a gentleman by the name of John Hathfield over from Temple University. He had offered months ago to come in and just, you know, provide his expertise and insight in that practice. So, I was here until around eight o'clock at night, just, you know, supporting space and making sure everybody was culture and creating introductions between people that, you know, came through. And then afterwards, I went across the street to find the jazz bar that's right there.
Because I mean, yeah, you need a drink. Yeah, and I hung out with a DJ who just moved back to Philadelphia as well. And got, you know, just some more insight on what it means to like, you know, leave Philly for 14 years and then come back. And, yeah, if I've been here for like a year and a half, I'm asking everybody. So, okay, tell me about Philly, you know, like, I'm not from here, catch me up, like, what do we need?
How can we improve all of that? So, that was yesterday. This morning, I had a call with one of our members. She runs an organization called Calm Clarity. And she's looking at hosting unmindfulness day for folks specifically in the LGBTQIA community. And is hoping that culture works as a fiscal sponsorship can come in and provide some administrative support for marketing and partnership outreach. So, we had a meeting around that this morning. Then I had a check in with the co-chairs of the board and my co-executive director. We need about a quarter or so.
And we just talked about future planning, you know, some of the HR initiatives we have going on, board recruitment efforts, you know, future agendas for future meetings, a board and staff retreat we're doing, this lightning round campaign that's coming up. I could go on and on and on. But, you know, now we're around that. I prepared the agenda and just made sure, you know, notes and excerpts were taken. And then, of course, I'm having this conversation now. Tonight, I'll be heading to TILT Institute where I participated in an art exhibit, an artist that I made a connection with shortly after coming to Philadelphia by the name of Tamiya Lutortu is doing a series of portraits of Black women. And each of us have also contributed to a podcast series where we talk about our Womath journey and what it means to hold wounds. And so alongside those podcast interviews, we also have portraits that have been created for us. And so there's an art exhibit tonight where she's sharing those pieces.
And I'm very excited. The artist that created them, their name is Kira, I believe, Mishinda. Yeah, Kira Mishinda has her name. And so I'm just really excited to hear his work and to celebrate Tamiya and producing that whole thing. There's also going to be like a multimedia soundscape, I believe.
All of this will be at TILT Institute. And then, yeah, tomorrow I'm on a plane to Detroit, which I cannot wait for. I will finally get a chance to hug up on my nephews being from Detroit originally. I'm excited for that just to see family and friends. But also the organization I co-founded, Arts Administrators Color Network, they're going to be hosting a gathering for Arts Administrators of color. And that's being held in conjunction with University of Michigan. And yeah, I introduced the partners around that and the current interim executive director. So I'm going to fly by to hug my nephews, but also to see how that goes. It's the first time that they're hosting an event in Michigan. So I'm very proud of the current leadership in making that happen. So yeah, that's like 48 hours. And I know I'm missing some stuff, but I'm so excited.
Rob Lee: I mean, breathing, having the meals, sleeping, any of the things.
Ariel Shelton: No, green tea. I drink lots of green tea.
Rob Lee: It's fun. It's great to hear that it's your busy, but it's also busy doing the good work and in moving things along, especially with some of the communities that are being affected, especially during these times. I'll just kind of leave that piece at that because it's really hard work. As I was sharing before we got started again, when you're here and there and you need to have that time to breathe and to kind of catch up and also make time for family and be able to fit that in or what have you.
Ariel Shelton: Yeah, you got to schedule it in for sure. And I was listening to something recently that helped me gain a level of acceptance about myself. I definitely am one to schedule my rest. And when I rest, I rest hard. I don't do shit.
I'm unapologetically. And also sometimes, deadlines have to adjust and things have to shift. I mean, every conversation I have, I let people know, look, this is where I'm at capacity wise. This is why I offer grace towards you. I hope to receive the same.
And in turn, I'm doing my best ultimately. And I think people get that, especially now. But yeah, I mean, the podcast or the thing that I heard recently was about how some people channel their energy and what leads to anxiety and what doesn't for some people. And I've come to accept that for me, what I am in a place of anxiety or wanting for things to happen in a better way, I get into work.
I do. And I think there has been, especially in recent years, in the midst of rest is resistance and calls for more rest and all of that. I feel like I've done a lot to make sure that I incorporate rest and family time and friendship time and all of those things into my routine. But I also am unapologetic in enjoying what I do. I truly do enjoy my work.
And that's a privilege as well. Last night at the fundraising workshop, the facilitator on his way, I was like, Ariel, it's like 830. I'm trying to kick people out for you. You got to go. And I'm like, well, this is what I'm here for. People have come all the way out for this workshop.
I'm trying to introduce people to one another and get to know them and let them know what we're about. And that is, I mean, yes, the whole model of fiscal sponsorship, I think is still so undertold. And so making sure that people know that that is a mechanism that can be built, even if it's another organization that sprouts, you know, I think is really important.
So anyways, I say all that. So say, I just, you know, it's energizing work. Like, I enjoy the work. And, you know, I do have my days and moments where I'm tired and I definitely take the rest as needed, like I said, but overall, I'm having a really good time. I really am.
And, you know, there's satisfaction for me. I didn't mention this, but I used to work at the Kennedy Center, right? And I was at the Kennedy Center for about four and a half years.
I started in January of 2017. So this was literally right when our current president was coming in for the first time. And I recall during that time as well, seeing what was happening, what rhetoric was being pushed, and using that for energy. You know, using that to go ahead and push forward in even more fearless ways. It's like, you know, not gonna give up.
Rob Lee: It's so real. And I had a conversation yesterday, actually. And I shared with my guests that, you know, there was talk about me wrapping the series up, actually, if the current situation wasn't the current situation.
And once that happened, I was like, Oh, no, no, no, I got to come back. I got to keep it rolling. And because, you know, there in those instances where I'm unsure of whether what I'm doing makes sense, whether what I'm doing is worthwhile, there are folks that like, thank you for giving me a space to share my story.
Thank you for sharing other stories that matter quote unquote, especially during these times with this rhetoric and with sort of just people like feeling good and trying to build a space of community. And there's definitely a question I have that relates to that in a moment. But that's the thing that gives me that juice and that energy and even going to sort of prioritizing rest, you know, that's that's important. And I didn't really realize that early on, I was just kind of like, Yeah, let's just go all gas, no breaks. And it's like, you are need to sleep, you need to really get some rest or, you know, and as I think about the structure and the planning for this season, you know, previous years, I could, you know, knock out four interviews in a day. Now it's just like, you'd be lucky for me to do four in a week. And really like feeling like that's even too much and trying to keep it to this sort of weekly format.
Because it's just like, one, you get worn down to you want to do other things. And, you know, you talked about grace earlier. Yeah, you know, like we rescheduled this because I was in New Orleans and I was like, and I almost said, I can do it. I'll bring my gear. And I was like, you better enjoy Marty Gronney's beads. You got to kiss these beads. Look, I was out here doing strange things for beads. We won't talk about that.
Ariel Shelton: Yeah, yeah. I love it. But that is exactly it. And I don't know about you, Rob, but I'm definitely like, I'm just interested in being around people that don't vibe like that, you know, like if you're not one to embrace flexibility and grace and, you know, trust that the person is going to follow through, you know, when the time is right and necessary, you know, then I'm not trying to be around any other energy, you know, that's become a very important thing for me as well.
Rob Lee: And it's this thing I saw before I moved to this next question, it's this thing I saw that gave me a, it's simple. Sometimes simple is good. But it's this teacher, he was given an example to a student and he told her to stand on a chair. He's standing on the floor, have you? And he, you know, while she's standing on a chair, he was like, pull me up. And she was like, I can't, you're too heavy. And he was like, I can pull you down, though. And there was something about that.
He was just like, it's easy to have someone pull you down versus pulling them up to where you're at. So it's sort of bad if you're rocking with people who understand grace, who understand sort of prioritization, and ultimately, I'll say it, understand fun and what you're doing, then those are your people.
Ariel Shelton: Exactly that. Absolutely.
Rob Lee: So, and this is what I teased up a little bit. So, you know, you have the, the DMV connection you mentioned, you mentioned being from Detroit or have you? What up, though, if they say?
Oh, God, listen. And you're there in Philly. And I've had some time, you know, a few interviews with some Detroiters, obviously in the DMV Baltimore specifically, and doing some DC interviews, and spent about a year in Philly. So for you spending time in each one of these demos with sort of the unique population and unique creative communities there, like, what are your, your insights?
How would you describe, maybe compare them or sort of where they intersect? What are your take on that, being in these different locales and being in this arts advocacy and working as well?
Ariel Shelton: Such a good question. You know, I think about that all the time. I'll start with this, you know, being in Philly, I kind of, I don't feel a little bit of a vetting process when I introduce myself to people. And it is very biased and it is very toxic, but I'll go ahead and share. So when I tell people that I'm from Detroit, but that I grew up, or excuse me, that I, you know, spent 18 years in DC, right? There's like two responses. Either someone goes, oh, yeah, Detroit, I love Detroit, like, Detroit is so cool, you know, or they'll go, oh, yeah, DC, yeah, I go down to DC all the time.
DC is my city, you know? And it's like very, it's too distinct. I see you laughing because you already know what I'm, you know, getting that. And I mean, there's clearly, like, I think there's some classism that I, you know, can't help but assume. And again, I'll say it's biased, maybe a little toxic for me to feel that way, but I do.
And I'll just start with that. Like, I think, you know, at least for me growing up, you know, I saw a lot of opportunities for improvement, for sure. And, you know, it was kind of sad, you know, to see like this really majestic, beautiful architecture crumble in many ways, and also to sense, you know, disconnect and what was being taught in classrooms and what was being experienced in real life, you know, particularly in music, I, you know, used to play with French horn. I was lucky to have some phenomenal educators around me. And also, Jay Dilla, you know, wasn't really being taught in specific ways.
And, you know, Motown, you know, was mentioned, but not taught in specific ways. So, yeah, I mean, Detroit, I've seen from a distance, right, like a bit of a shift in the pride and identity around the city that I'm really, really, really proud of. And I mean, some of those same educators that I grew up with, you know, have really helped lead the charge in that way. I'm thinking about Randy Scott, who teaches music production classes, while being a very well known jazz saxophonist, charting, you know, using my middle school band director, or Damien Kretcher, who has been doing some phenomenal work getting instruments in the hands of kids throughout the city of Detroit, alongside Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
That was my orchestral teacher, you know. And so, I say all of that to say, I think that there's, in more recent years, definitely been like a bit of a rebrand around Detroit. I'm very proud to see from a distance. I mean, it also is coupled with justification and everything else that I think every major city right is going through. But yeah, do you see, I would say was maybe, and it, of course, could be because I was there, you know, when I was older, but at a different stage around identity and a city pride. And I think that that has led to some really great opportunities for workforce development and growth in that city. Hence, I think maybe a little bit of that craft divide that I mentioned.
So, there's that. I mean, I'll, what can I say here, that is good for a podcast and not, it won't give me a trouble, but I mean, I'll be honest, like, I think part of what I've loved about Philly is it reminds me of Detroit more than D.C. that like D.C. never felt like home for me for a lot of reasons. And I think part of that is because I think part of that is because of the nature of the city, it's a political town and everyone is posturing, well not everyone, but a lot of people are posturing towards their advocacy goals. Yeah, but Philly, what I've come to love so much is like there are so many different aspects of Philly's identity that can't be passed.
I mean, you know, there's China town here, West Philly there, you know, like it's very neighborhood-centric and people take a lot of pride in that, but also like recognize that separation in a way that doesn't feel as negative as I feel like it's been framed in other places. Like it's celebrated in a way here that I find refreshing, quite frankly. Yeah, and every day I'm learning and seeing and discovering something new every, every, every day. There's just a lot, there's like a rich depth here in the city as well that I find exciting. So yeah, I mean, I'm still learning silly for sure.
Like I said, I've only been here for about a year and a half, but this year and a half has taught me a whole lot and I'm excited to see how things kind of progress.
Rob Lee: Oh yeah. And I think I echo that sentiment, oh have you. Haven't been up to Philly as much as I would like, but in that better part of spending a year up there doing a lot of different success for their sports franchises. So the energy was heavy.
It was just like Philly's in the World Series, the Sixes in the playoffs, he was in the Super Bowl. I was just like, yo, and I eat too much when I'm up there. It's like, look, I'm gonna eat like three muffins.
Like, you know, can I get like blueberry? Acting like it's healthy, right? And but having the interviews up there and talking with folks and just kind of being embraced with minimal effort is just like, oh, this is the serious thing. They get it. And they dig it. And it's almost like some of the stuff that I like in Baltimore, I see it being like that next level up there because maybe it's a bigger city.
It's more funding up there is sort of different things. And I see that sort of similarity and in doing some of the booking for interviews for this season, I was reaching back out there to folks and like, hey, yo, remember me? It's like, yeah, remember you, bro? We had a good conversation. Or even when my beer was a bit longer, you know, you're from here. I was like, I am not. I am fine for me. It's Baltimore, you know, having to. But I dig Philly a lot. Yeah.
Ariel Shelton: Yeah. For sure. For sure. Yeah. And I mean, I didn't do enough homework before I got here. It's definitely been refreshing for sure. That that energy just mentioned of embrace too. I mean, it's funny because people like people from Philly will say, oh, yeah, we're mean, you know, we. And I'm like, a lot of y'all have been like the nicest, most generous kind, open, down people I've ever met. Like, period, you know.
Yeah. So I mean, you know, a lot of people would probably dislike me for saying this, but I consider it a very friendly city. Philly to me, it feels friendly. Like, yeah, it feels authentic to them. Like people are real about it, you know. So yeah, if you're fucking up, they'll let you know, which I like.
Rob Lee: Sure. The last thing I'll say before moving to this next question is people can tell us, like, especially like my partner, she could tell like, you know, you've been a Philly recently because I'll just randomly call people dickhead, like off the rip. I think I don't wait dickhead. I'm like, yo, you've been up. It's a Lego.
Ariel Shelton: I mean, you know, it's just where we're at. Yeah, that's it. I mean, yeah, yeah, yeah. And that's what it is. I appreciate it.
Rob Lee: I dig it in. Rich culture is an important. So going back a little bit, I wanted to just revisit briefly. If there was some key initiatives or projects that are just like right there, you know, front of face when it comes to cultural workspere to Philadelphia, like that you see immediately. We're not immediately changing, but it's like right there that you're super excited about or just really like in the midst of I can't wait to folks see this. We got some heat for y'all. What's on your mind when it comes to that?
Ariel Shelton: That's a good question. I mean, so last month we launched into a series of gatherings that happening every third Thursday in the space. And the gatherings are comprised of members of the cultural works community, you know, folks that are fit to respond to with us or and or members of the co-working community. In conversation with external partners and, you know, others around like very specific topics. So basically, I've like, you know, built this series in collaboration with so many voices.
I mean, one of the first things I heard coming in was that due to the nature of silly being very neighborhood specific and, you know, community centered. Sometimes there are, you know, silos that emerge. And of course, because of COVID, you know, those silos deepened in some ways.
And so this is like a way to kind of bridge connection. So as an example, last month we did a conversation on historic preservation in a changing city. Which that topic came to be in the midst of, you know, the China time discussions that were happening and the aforementioned gentrification.
You know, that's here and very present. And so what we're examining during Black History Month was the presence of, you know, like the Rocky statue versus Joe Frazier's gym, which is in disrepair versus Marion Anderson house, which, you know, was in heavy disrepair at one point, you know, versus. I could go down the list Marion and I are, excuse me, Paul Robeson house. John Coltrane house.
Hannah house, you know, like there are black landmark spaces that you'd be surprised are not as, you know, well preserved as one would think. And so the panelists included friends of the truth of this in this art, like Ty Smith. He was a panelist there. Jill Pertle, who is running the Marion Anderson house, the head of the advocacy organization for Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.
So by the name of Patricia Wilson, Aiden. We also had Pete Whittle, who runs an organization called Hidden City, where they examine the architecture in the city and dig into the background of, you know, so much of these fronts. And then Oscar Berserk, who runs a program called the Keeping Society of Philadelphia, or excuse me, the Keeping Society of Georgetown. And yes, he is also just responsible for that project, but doing a lot of historic preservation in German town for Philadelphia. So anyways, it was a amazing conversation.
Definitely got a little spicy, you know, because everybody has their different take on what and why and how, you know, historic preservation takes place. And again, just examining it through that lens. And while again, just bringing those connections together was really exciting. The next conversation we have in the series is happening next month. And this one is going to be around the future of Philadelphia. So, you know, I love the St. Colesha method.
I stay with the St. Colesha something on me. But yeah, this is, you know, we look back in February, we're looking forward in April during the spring. And we're bringing together cultural leaders across sectors that are coming from different vantage points and also are in their 20s, early 30s. None of these panelists have ever met before. And they're coming from the Chamber of Commerce. They're coming from World Affairs Council. They're coming from a Philly Theater Company, Philly Children's Theater Company, excuse me, which is just sponsored by us here. They're coming from TNK Artists doing video production work and more. They're coming from the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. So each of these panelists has a unique perspective as an emerging cultural leader around what it means to build the future culture forward.
This is a little bit of a vanity panel for me, but again, is driven by what I've heard from so many, which is like, what's going on with, you know, next generation of leadership. We are like, how are they talking about so many of these issues and topics? Are they talking about these? Are they talking about some notes? And so, yeah, just bringing that panel together to hear directly from these people, you know, what their vantage point is.
And also, getting a chance to build connections, you know, at that age, you know, across those organizations and bring awareness around those organizations between the Chamber of Commerce and the Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, you know, right? It's like what I'm trying to push. So, but I said every month, third Thursday, we're doing something different, a different topic. June is going to, June 3, which is the third Thursday that month, is going to be community gardens. So, we're going off site to places like North Tilly Peace Park, which we just we sponsored, give fresh daily, like, I mean, I could go on and on and on.
It's like, again, that richness is 94 organizations we work with. And so every month I'm working to, you know, create an opportunity for them to come together in a bit more of an intimate way with friends, partners, colleagues, potential collaborators and push, you know, very specific conversations forward. And I will say, just the last thing I'll note, coming out of that historic preservation conversation last month, there were two Philadelphia Inquirer articles that came out, one written by Tiaud Smith around that Rocky Statue Paradox. And then another article around Jill's work at the Mary Anderson House and just the need for greater support, you know, towards that effort. So, I clearly, you know, stuff is kind of blooming from these efforts and ways of bridging connections. So, I'm pleased to see it.
Rob Lee: That's the impact in practice and thank you for sharing that. That's robust stuff. I mean, it's just naturally, you know, there's few conversations I've had behind the scenes because I think, you know, for me, and I hear that description. I'm thinking of like this project that I'm working on behind the scenes.
I'm like, we should do this. This makes sense. And it's more work for me.
And, you know, it's a thing to do. And I think it's important and I think it's important to understand the direction of a city, the direction of a community. And I find that, and this is a segue to this next question, but I find that the words community, the words impact, they're used so often.
And I think those definitions may not always be aligned. So, when I think of, you know, sort of impact, people tell me the podcast has impact, but I'm really curious about the communities, especially now when I kind of understand like the way that this system works. And this is a community project. I don't call it that, but in fact it is, you know, it's just like this is a specific group of people. And it's, you know, independent and it's driving at a specific goal and it's to have conversation to do an exchange. So, in that vein of community and impact being sort of drivers of a lot of the work that I was hearing there and, you know, just work that I think we're both around in different ways. What sort of considerations are you making when you're bringing together folks, as you mentioned, sort of the next generation and the dialogues that are happening. What are those considerations that are happening and what just, what comes to mind? What are your insights on those terms of community, of impact and what are those considerations?
Ariel Shelton: Yeah, I mean, you know, community definitely, I'll just start with this is used abundantly and sometimes incorrectly. I think folks have abused it incorrectly. I wouldn't be surprised if there have been moments of abuse community in a way that didn't come packed with, you know, as much, what's the word, like, yeah, just full thought, you know, I think we all have a tendency to throw some words around a bit fluently, especially if we hear them so frequently. But I mean, and considering building community around this, like physical space we have here at CultureWorks, there are a few things that I'm looking for as an indicator of success.
Serendipity is a massive one for me. So, you know, take for instance yesterday I was doing a tour with someone from PA Humanities. They're considering doing the dinner here in our physical co-working space, and they ran into someone who's been working virtually on graphic design work for PA Humanities who happens to be a co-working member here, like, you know, and so they've worked around each other digitally but have not had that presence in person and just the warmth of a face-to-face, you know?
And so that to me was like, okay, we're doing the right thing. You know, this kind of moment is occurring. Hearing a little bit of a buzz in the space of people, you know, just talking one another, introducing one another, we have someone who is getting ready to do workshops around investment, and so they're utilizing our space in order to, you know, independently make that happen. And I was in conversations with them and another member, and that member does, like, icebreakers and, you know, like, HR support work, and that person was like, oh, do you need an icebreaker for your investment group? You know, meet up?
Sure. You know, so it's that too, of like, that exchange and willingness to contribute to other people's causes. That to me is like a feeling of community. You know, I try to make sure we have snacks and something to drink.
You know, I make coffee every time I'm in the office. You know, but also just, yeah, that homey warm feeling. People have come in and commented on that, and I'm really proud to work with a team that's helped establish that. So those are the things that I would say really to me define community. Again, just like saying different connections and opportunities blossoming, you know, and that warmth, you know, that feeling of warmth, I think is important. And the last thing I'll say, I mean, in terms of like how I'm pulling together these conversations, I'm definitely trying to figure out ways to, you know, have that, right? Like have people that have not connected physically in a very long time come back together.
Have people come together who don't know each other, but maybe circling around each other in a way and don't realize it yet, you know. I'm trying to make sure that it feels warm and inviting so people can really be as fully themselves, you know, as possible in order to, you know, bring that positive energy. I think that's necessary for it all. And so, yeah, that's really what I'm looking for and what I'm trying to, you know, drive forward.
And also, you know, when there's moments where discomfort needs to be held, I'm looking for that too. Prior to the results of the elections coming live, you know, last year, which of course, you know, everybody has their own take on it, right? And I respect that. And in respect of that, and in respect also of how politics does drive culture, I mean, it does. I think, I don't think Trump would be chairperson of the board at the Kennedy Center if he didn't recognize that, right? So, in recognition of that connection, I scheduled a panel discussion, not knowing the results of the elections. And that panel discussion was around the intersections between journalism, technology, and politics. And I had four folks come together. None of them had met one another. Several of them were physically sponsored by CultureWorks, right?
So we shared this EIN, but we hadn't shared connections in that way. And I mean, yeah, it was a little bit of an uncomfortable conversation because it would be the day after the election, but I think it was necessary, right? So, like, not be at home, scrolling, and to create and cultivate a space where people could be together and, you know, voice how they felt and their reactions, the mixed reactions, you know, around it. So I think there's that too. I think, you know, community can be uncomfortable at times, and that's okay. It should be.
Rob Lee: Yeah. And thank you for that. I think one of the, I've been, I think in the last, like, for probably four months, maybe five months, I've been a Philly like three times, but one was definitely the day after the election results were out there. And I was like, oh, and I met up with Taib. I met up with Quincy Harris and Taib went out of his way to make sure he and I knew each other. He's like, you guys do something. So he's like, yeah, and he gassed it up.
And I was like, thanks, bro. I am unqualified to be up here right now. But, you know, and I say that facetiously, you know, but it's definitely sort of an energy and a temperature check in getting that sort of discourse. And, you know, you're getting past the notion of meeting someone that you know of their work, you know of them slightly, but you're like, all right, what is your take? What are your thoughts in this area? And I think providing sort of, as you were touching on, providing sort of the just the means in which to meet and have a dialogue, I think that's where actually discourse is happening versus you have this take.
I don't like social media block. It's like, let's have a real conversation and maybe maybe inches and maybe feet, but we can move a little bit closer to some idea that might be more similar than this similar. And I think it's too often we don't do that.
Ariel Shelton: Absolutely. I cannot agree more.
Rob Lee: So there is one more thing I want to ask or invite before I go into these rapid fire questions. Any final thoughts you want to share as we close out on sort of the main parts of the podcast as it relates to ultra works, great of Philadelphia or just your work in general before we move into the rapid fire? No, nothing else. You got it. You covered it. I love it.
I love it. See, the sentence. So I guess we wrap a fire question for you. They go up a little bit like this. Here's the first one. What genre of movie would your life story be?
Ariel Shelton: Oh, a drama or sorry, what genre of movie? It's my life story, probably. I'm going to be, I'm going to say mystery. Like a little mystery, just a little bit. Yeah.
Rob Lee: I see this black turtle neck-ish fit that you have. I was like, yeah, it's going to be a mystery. I was like, all right, you got it.
Ariel Shelton: It's a little mystery. Yeah, there's definitely a work-life balance happening over here. So, yes, I'm going to say mystery.
Rob Lee: What is a tough lesson that you've learned, I guess in the last year and a half?
Ariel Shelton: Oh, goodness. I mean, something that I've always known, but I'm definitely being reminded of it because I'm in a new city is just that the nations just take time. I would love to have a $100,000 sponsor here at CultureWorks, but that is not going to happen in a year and a half. That's just not possible. So, I mean, not just the transactional nature of relationships to be clear, but just in general, right? Like relationships, friendships, you know, I knew some people have been had a whole lot, I could go on and on and on, but at the end of the day, relationships take time. So, being patient with that has been a lesson for me.
Rob Lee: That's a lesson that I'm constantly learning and relearning, especially going back through. Most folks seem to like me. Hey, I'll come back on a rob. Love to do it. Other folks are like kick rocks. I'm like, cool, you got it.
Ariel Shelton: You know, that's it.
Rob Lee: I'm going to do it for you. And I got to ask, you know, I'm always, especially living vicariously, what is the, what is the food item up there and Philly for you? What is the thing? I know people talk about the cheese steaks and know people talk about, I guess, the Nick. So I have you the sort of like pork sandwich, but what is the thing for you? Because I want to get your, your palate, you know, you, your person would taste.
Ariel Shelton: You know, I've been, I'm going to, I'm going to read myself up a little bit. I got into gardening last year and for the first time I made stuffed squash blossoms. So it's squash, some stuff with ricotta cheese. And then you put a little flour dough around it and then you fry it in like olive oil. My mouth is watering thing about it right now. But yes, stuff, squash, those are delicious.
I don't know. I'm not a fan of cheese steaks. I'm sorry.
I can't do a cheese steak. Yeah, but I'd say that I'm going to keep it right there for now. Yeah. I mean, there's so much. I'm thinking of a million restaurants. So I'm like, let me, let me not even go through that whole list.
Rob Lee: But yeah, you don't want folks to get, they had to be butt hurt a little bit.
Ariel Shelton: How did you get that? Exactly. I'm not trying to get no trouble.
Rob Lee: I don't like it. Yes.
Ariel Shelton: Yes. Yes. I will, you know, I will give one shout out to a spot. Amy's Pastaillos has amazing empanadas. They're so good. Yeah. Yes. So I'll give them a shout out.
Rob Lee: That's great. And we got it. So there's two things I'd like to do as we close out here. One, I want to thank you for coming back onto the podcast and spend a little time with me and catching up. And two, I want to invite and encourage you to share any final thoughts, social media, website, all of that good stuff for the listeners to check out all that you got going on. CultureWorks, Greater Philadelphia, all of that good stuff. The floor is yours.
Ariel Shelton: I appreciate it. Definitely check out our events page here at CultureWorks. Also under news and announcements, you'll see all of the events and other happenings that are taking place within our greater community with, you know, folks that we just we sponsor and beyond. And hit me up if you have questions about this sponsorship. My email address is on our website. I am very friendly on LinkedIn. I'm putting a little bit of a break on other social media platforms at this time. But yeah, hit me up. I'm always down to connect.
Rob Lee: And there you have it folks. I want to again thank Ariel Shelton from CultureWorks, Greater Philadelphia for coming back on to the podcast and catching up with me and spending a bit of time.
And for Ariel Shelton, I am Rob Lee, family bears, art, culture and community in and around your neck of the woods. You just have to look for it.
