Artblog, a Philadelphia arts outlet, will close its doors after 21 years of operation.

After 21 years of dedicated coverage of underrepresented artists and gallerists within Philadelphia’s vibrant art scene, the independent arts outlet Artblog has announced its impending closure, scheduled for June 6. Co-founder Roberta Fallon, aged 76, will step down as executive director, prompting the organization to close its Center City office and discontinue its online presence amid financial challenges.

Artblog has operated on a modest budget of approximately 0,000 per year, primarily funded by various grants. These financial resources were mainly allocated to compensating writers and a part-time managing editor. Notably, Fallon has taken on the roles of both lead editor and executive director without any form of compensation, a situation she describes as unsustainable in the long run given the increasing demands of her position.

Despite the outlet’s effective operation within its financial constraints, Fallon acknowledged that her departure would necessitate finding a paid replacement, a possibility that is currently unattainable given the financial climate. This stark reality played a significant role in the decision to cease operations.

Last week, Fallon communicated this disheartening news to Artblog’s 4,600 subscribers and the broader arts community. Among those feeling the impact of this closure is Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, who expressed her disappointment over the loss. She highlighted how Artblog consistently focused on alternative art spaces, providing coverage that mainstream media often overlooked.

In 2003, Fallon and fellow artist Libby Rosof launched Artblog to illuminate the stories of marginalized artists, particularly women of color and LGBTQ creatives, in a city where many voices remained unheard. With their extensive journalistic backgrounds, the founders identified a significant gap in the arts narrative and sought to fill it through their online platform. Over the years, the outlet became a vital part of the arts economy in Philadelphia, receiving recognition for its excellence in arts coverage from reputable organizations such as Art in America.

Although Artblog’s closure signifies the loss of a crucial platform that advocated for lesser-known artists, Fallon remains hopeful as she points to the emergence of new platforms, such as Teleporter and Orange Crate, which are determined to continue the advocacy work for Philadelphia’s artistic community.

In light of recent crises affecting the arts, such as the closure of the University of the Arts and the discontinuation of degree programs at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the health of the Philadelphia arts scene has been placed under considerable strain. Nevertheless, Fallon is optimistic about the resilience of the city’s artists and their capacity to come together during challenging times.

As the Artblog team prepares to archive their 21 years of contributions to Philadelphia’s cultural landscape, Fallon emphasizes the importance of finding a steward to manage the website and preserve its extensive body of work. She believes the comprehensive coverage of artists from diverse backgrounds remains a valuable resource for the community.

The legacy of Artblog is characterized by its commitment to spotlighting underrepresented voices, and as the platform soon concludes its operations, its founders hope new entities will emerge to continue where they left off, further enriching Philadelphia’s artistic narrative.