SOURCE/MATERIAL
A Platform for Aesthetic Research, Skills Exchange + Coalition Building
A project of The Building Fund, Source/Material operates as a multifunctional headquarters for local arts and cultural exchange in Westville. We believe that artists are essential to the cultural and civic life of our communities—but too often, creative growth is stifled by isolation, limited resources, and systemic barriers to access. Source/Material confronts these obstacles by transforming a neighborhood storefront into a living laboratory for collaboration, learning, and exchange. Through collective study, creative partnerships, and community participation, we work against artist’s block in all its forms—reigniting inspiration and sustaining artistic practice. The space is built around three interconnected pillars:
Gallery: Showcasing artists of color and hosting public workshops that expand access to arts education
Library & Coworking Space: Lending rare artist books, zines, and publications, and offering literary programs that celebrate underrepresented voices in art history
Trading Post: Facilitating a local barter network where artists and neighbors can exchange materials, skills, and opportunities—strengthening the creative economy from the ground up.
Together, these pillars transform Source/Material into a hub for shared imagination, equitable access, and sustained artistic possibility—helping artists dream beyond their circumstances and build a more connected cultural future.
