Mission

 

We strive to create a community of artists who are dedicated to the ongoing growth of the space while simultaneously supporting the ambitions of our individual members.

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Through sharing tools and facilities necessary for making artwork, Traction Company promotes the exchange of the resources and knowledge of its members. This collective effort creates a wide variety of opportunities through a combined network.

 

History

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Beginning in 2007, artists from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts began rebuilding the interior of a warehouse in West Philly with the intention of creating a space that could support the artistic careers of its members.

 

The warehouse at the corner of 41st Street and Haverford Avenue is the last remaining structure from a complex of trolley workshops operated by the Philadelphia Traction Company beginning in the mid 19th century.

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We have continued to engage with the community and with one another after relocating to 40th and Westminster in 2019.

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Workshop and Studios

 

Traction Company artists share a communal workshop in addition to maintaining personal artist studios.  The workshop at Traction Company includes welding, metal fabrication, wood working, and casting facilities, in over 1000 square feet of flexible work space.  Individual studios allow artists to construct spaces for their personal practices.