Journey Arts Will Host TO BE HERE, a Philadelphia Immigration Storytelling Event
Lynda Grace Black and Magda Martinez bring the production to Christ Church Neighborhood House
From June 11-13, Journey Arts will present TO BE HERE, a multi-day exhibition and storytelling performance created by artists Lynda Grace Black and Magda Martinez at Christ Church Neighborhood House (20 N. American Street, Philadelphia).
Rooted in communal storytelling, TO BE HERE reflects on family journeys to Philadelphia, the realities of staying, and the resilience required to build a life here. Through shared experiences of loss, transformation and connection, participants offer a deeply personal and collective portrait of the city.
Developed over the course of a year, TO BE HERE grew from a series of story circles led by Black and Martinez. Participants engaged in writing, drawing, and conversation, shaping narratives that now form the foundation of both the exhibition and performance.
The exhibition begins as audiences enter the building, unfolding from the elevator into the theater space. It features personal objects contributed by participants–items that carry memory, history, and meaning. These include letters, family photographs, heirlooms such as cookware carried across generations, and handmade works. Collectively these objects form an immersive environment that reflects cultural inheritance and lived experience.
The performance, held within the theater, brings these stories to life through an ensemble of community members. Blending live and recorded storytelling, the piece features voices from across generations and backgrounds, offering multiple perspectives on what it takes “to be here” in this moment. Developed in collaboration with theater artist Tanaquil Marquez, the performance centers authentic voices.
“TO BE HERE honors the layered identities of Philadelphians and reimagines what it means to belong,” said Marla Burkholder, Artistic Director of Journey Arts. “It creates space for stories that are often unheard, while recognizing the shared threads that connect us.”
Journey Arts, an intentionally nomadic Philadelphia performing arts presenter, continues its 2025-2026 season with works that explore identity, community, and connection. Through interdisciplinary performance and storytelling, the season highlights how individuals and communities draw on lived experiences to navigate change and create meaning together.
About the Artists
Lynda Grace Black is a Philadelphia-based artist whose work spans fiber, sculpture, performance, and installation. Working primarily with twine, yarn, and fabric, she explores themes of interconnectedness, memory, and justice. Her work has been exhibited at institutions including the Philadelphia Museum of Art and internationally across multiple cities.
Magda Martinez is a Philadelphia-based poet, vocalist, educator, and arts executive whose work bridges creativity and community. Her practice centers storytelling rooted in everyday experience, and her leadership has shaped major arts and civic initiatives in Philadelphia. She has received fellowships and awards recognizing her commitment to the arts as a tool for transformation.
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