Launching Third Thursdays Series to Support the Creative Economy
CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia is excited to announce a new collaboration with the City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce to present Third Thursdays, a year-long series of community gatherings designed to strengthen connections across Philadelphia’s creative economy.
Held monthly at CultureWorks, the series will bring together creative entrepreneurs, business owners, cultural leaders, and community members for gatherings, informational discussions, and practical workshops that explore the opportunities and challenges facing Philadelphia’s cultural sector.
Philadelphia’s creative community plays a vital role in shaping the city’s identity while also powering small businesses, performance venues, festivals, and neighborhood cultural spaces. Third Thursdays are designed to support that ecosystem by creating space for collaboration and by connecting creative workers with the resources that help their work thrive.
For CultureWorks, the series builds on the organization’s broader mission to support cultural leaders through shared infrastructure, professional development, and community building.
“Third Thursdays create a space where people across Philadelphia’s cultural ecosystem can come together to share ideas, learn practical tools, and build relationships,” said Ariel Shelton, Co-Executive Director of CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia. “We’re excited to work alongside the Department of Commerce to ensure that artists and creative entrepreneurs have greater access to the resources that help their work—and their businesses—grow.”
Throughout the year, participants will also have opportunities to learn about city resources that support small businesses and entrepreneurs, in order to strengthen connections between municipal offices and the creative community.
Each gathering will feature a different theme, highlighting topics ranging from creative entrepreneurship and economic development to festivals, markets, and cultural leadership.
2026 Third Thursdays Series
Subject to change
January 15
Community Conversation + Third Thursdays Kickoff
February 19
Arts & Culture Internship Mixer
In collaboration with Haverford College and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
March 19
Swap Meet: Spring Cleaning + Community Exchange*
April 16
Live Music + Economic Development
Panel discussion with musicians and industry leaders, followed by a community jam session
May 21
Resource Hubs: Made in Philly
Connecting creative entrepreneurs with organizations that support small businesses
June 18
Ensuring Cultural Empowerment Remains Centered in the Midst of Change
Community dinner and conversation with cultural leaders
July 16
Christmas in July
Preparing artists and makers for holiday vending opportunities
August 20
The Future is Festivals
Exploring the economic and cultural impact of festivals
September 17
Back to Business Basics I
End-of-Year Giving, vending strategies, and market preparation
October 15
Back to Business Basics II
Tax preparation and sponsorship opportunities
November 19
Back to Business Basics III
Success Stories in the Creative Economy
December 17
Holiday Party and Community Celebration
Third Thursdays will take place at CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia, a coworking and community hub that supports artists, nonprofits, and cultural entrepreneurs through shared workspace, fiscal sponsorship, and professional development programs.
Additional details about individual events will be released throughout the year.
For updates and registration information, follow CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia or visit our website.
