PHILADEPHIA, PA - This November, a cornerstone of the Old City and Society Hill neighborhoods is marking a major milestone. FRIEDA, the unique space at 320 Walnut Street known for blending art, culture, and culinary experiences, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Alongside its non-profit arm, FRIEDAcommunity, the organization is hosting a month-long series of events to commemorate a decade of service, friendship, and connection in Philadelphia.
Founded in 2015, FRIEDA began with a simple but powerful principle: that shared experiences over food and art could bridge gaps between people of all generations, cultures, and backgrounds. This mission was crystallized further with the creation of FRIEDAcommunity, the five-year-old non-profit born from the challenges of the pandemic, which shares the same goal of fostering intergenerational relationships.
"FRIEDA was born out of a simple but powerful idea — that connection and creativity can bridge generations, cultures, and perspectives,” says Thomas Steinborn, co-founder and executive director at FRIEDAcommunity. “As we celebrate ten years, we honor not only our past but the thousands of people who have shared their time, talents, and hearts with FRIEDA and FRIEDAcommunity.”
Over the past decade, the organization has woven itself into the city's social fabric, offering a diverse and ever-expanding program of workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events. Visitors can find art openings, language circles, expert-hosted talks, and music performances, all designed to foster meaningful engagement.
This work is co-led by David Wong, co-founder and the culinary force behind the FRIEDA café. "FRIEDAcommunity is more than just a name — it’s everyone who walks through our doors,” says Wong. “Our artists, volunteers, retirees, and kitchen team are the embodiment of what makes FRIEDA so special.”
Anniversary Celebration Events
To honor this decade of connection, FRIEDA will host several special events throughout November. All events are held at 320 Walnut Street, and proceeds from purchases and fundraisers support the non-profit FRIEDAcommunity.
-
November 7: The FRIEDAcommunity 10th Anniversary Art Exhibition
-
(6:00 – 8:00 PM)
-
This exhibition features a collection of 294 original illustrations by Madrid-based artist Mariano Martínez. Each piece captures a moment in the 10-year journey of FRIEDA and FRIEDAcommunity. All artwork is available for purchase to support the non-profit.
-
-
November 11: A Closer Look with Mariano Martinez
-
(6:00 – 8:00 PM)
-
An intimate dinner and personal discussion with the artist about his work and his collaboration with FRIEDAcommunity.
-
-
November 19: The FRIEDAcommunity FOOD BOOK Reveal
-
(6:00 – 8:00 PM)
-
A celebration for the launch of a limited-edition, hard-bound book. The book depicts the stories, recipes, and people connected by the organization's culinary creativity. The book will be available for purchase.
-
-
November 20: A FRIEDAcommunity FRIENDRAISER
-
(6:00 – 8:00 PM)
-
An evening to raise a glass—and funds—to appreciate all those who help sustain FRIEDAcommunity's mission of connecting people across generations.
-
