empowering creative voices
Our Story
Since its opening in 2011, the Soapbox has grown from a zine library and a basement studio in a rowhouse on 51st and Baltimore Ave to a community studio with a screen printing darkroom, papermaking facilities, a risograph printer, and multiple small- and large-format letterpresses. The Soapbox’s zine collection includes more than 3,000 handmade publications going back to the 1980s and continues to be a space for joy and inspiration for zinemaking clubs, visiting students, members of the public who stop by, and zinemakers and artists.
After operating at 47th and Kingsessing Ave since 2019, The Soapbox is ready to take the next step and move into a larger and more accessible location at 4542 Baltimore Ave in spring 2026. This move marks a significant milestone for the non-profit arts organization. In the new space, The Soapbox will be able to more than double the number of independent artist studios it offers, expand programming, and create more studio space for letterpress, screen print, risograph, and other book and paper arts.
Soapbox co-founder Mary Tasillo remembers that “we named The Soapbox after the crates historically used for impromptu public speeches, with the goal of creating a space for self-expression.”
Over the past 15 years, The Soapbox has lived into that vision, with members from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences with the arts. The studio has been home to artist residencies, art critique clubs, and drop-in zinemaking groups.
The Soapbox has always been a grassroots led organization, with most of the labor over the past 15 years provided by dedicated volunteers. The enthusiasm of Soapbox volunteers speaks to the unique community within the studio, and to the value of accessible artmaking space in West Philadelphia.
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![over 1000 patrons]()
Together, we offer community, skill building, and programming to over 1000 individuals annually. Our low cost and free programs take place in person around Philadelphia, in our space or yours.
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![over 50 Studio Members]()
Soapbox Members & Fellows are able to pursue projects on equipment often not publicly available elsewhere in Philadelphia. Whether professional artists or new to creating in print and paper, your support ensures these individuals access to the studios and equipment they need.
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![over 70 Workshops & Events]()
In 2025, we held over 70 workshops and events across our studio areas, offering hands-on learning in making prints, zines, books, and paper. Because of you, our studios remain active, affordable, and vibrant spaces for creative exchange all year round.
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![A “Real Art Thing”]()
Program participant Charlotte writes: “I’m not sure everyone realizes how important it is to have public art spaces which are actually open to everyone. Being part of The Soapbox’s programs has helped me so much in making time for art, feeling connected to others, pushing myself, and feeling like not-a-faker. Thank you so much.”
community
accessibility
creativity
why us?
The Soapbox is the only community-based studio in Philadelphia with a full letterpress and papermaking studio, alongside resources in screenprinting, relief printing, risograph, bookbinding, and zine making. We have a zine and artist book library of over 3,500 titles. With a focus on building community, we offer workshops and training alongside access to equipment for independent projects.
Our Mission
By providing resources, equipment, and instruction in printing, binding, and related self-publication arts, The Soapbox seeks to empower individuals and non-profit community organizations to disseminate information and empower creative voices.
The Soapbox is a West Philadelphia-based 501c3 non-profit that fosters the creative and political voices of the community.
Our Values
The Soapbox values art-making, word-smithing, and skill-sharing towards a vision of social justice wherein all people have access to the means of production, and learn to produce materials that are accessible to the many rather than the few.
the arts are more
important than ever right now.
The Soapbox aims to empower our community to create wherever they are, thanks to the support of people like you. We recognize that the need in our world is great right now. If you found your way to this page, we hope you will consider investing in The Soapbox’s sustainability through the myriad crises of these times.
The Soapbox creates programs that bring people together to connect, create, grieve, hope, express their feelings, and uplift their voices through art. Our workshops and mail art exchange have served hundreds of folks from Philadelphia to California as far away as India. With your support, we can reach more people in the coming year.
Your contributions mean the world to the people we serve through workshops, open-hours access to printmaking facilities, and access to our library of 3,500+ handmade publications. Your support ensures access to this one-of-a-kind library as well as to low-cost workshops and studio space.
Your donation to The Soapbox is tax deductible! Support your local printmaking, book arts, and self-publication center with a gift to our 501(c)3 organization. Your monthly donation qualifies you for Member rates on workshops as a SOAPBOX SUPPORTER.