Indy Hall Arts: coworking space’s niche community bands together [PHOTOS]

The community at Indy Hall doesn’t want to just be called a bunch of technologists.

The members of the Old City coworking space are not all developers or entrepreneurs or artists. While it might seem counter intuitive, that’s the spirit behind the new Indy Hall Arts crew, said artists Mike Jackson and Sean Martorana. They want to showcase the talents and passion of one part of the community, while also calling attention to the fact that the Indy Hall gang can’t be put into one box.

Here’s how Jackson put it:

The people who paint and draw and photographs started @indyhall_arts because that’s the role we play in the community. It’s a direct way for us to find others who see the arts as their opportunity to leave a mark on the city. There could just as well be an @indyhall_baking, @indyhall_pickling, or @indyhall_leathertanning. I love coming to Indy Hall and being surprised at finding out what another member is capable of. This is our way of sharing what we’re capable of.

Sean Martorana’s art exhibit “The Essence of Life and Line” inside Indy Hall. Photo credit: Wil Concepcion

It started with Martorana painting murals in the space and putting up his artwork, but soon bloomed into events like Indy Hall art shows featuring multiple local artists and the painting of a 50-foot mural for the space’s fifth anniversary party.

What’s next? Jackson and Martorana are curating an art show that based around the theme of “Music Inspiring Art,” Martorana said. Martorana said he also sees Indy Hall as a place for artists to get support when it comes to running the business side of their art, echoing the mission behind new arts-focused coworking space CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia.

The 50-foot Indy Hall mural. Photo credit: Mike Jackson

All photos provided by Sean Martorana.