Tucked within the beautiful landscape of Willow Wisp Organic Farm in Damascus, Pennsylvania, the Farm Arts Collective is a one-of-a-kind agri-cultural hub where farming, theatre, food, and ecology intersect to nourish both the land and the soul.

A Vision Rooted in Community & Creativity

Founded in 2018 by farmer and theatre artist Tannis Kowalchuk, Farm Arts Collective was born from a bold vision: to build a healthy, creative community through life-sustaining practices that intertwine agriculture, art, and ecological awareness. Over time, the Collective has evolved into a vibrant center where performances, workshops, communal meals, and social justice discussions invite deep engagement with the environment and local culture.

Engaging Offerings That Nurture Mind, Body & Spirit

Their programming is built around four foundational pillars—Farming, Theatre, Food, and Ecology—and includes:

Workshops on organic farming, artisanal foods, sustainable practices, and social justice themes.
Original performances, crafted collaboratively by the resident ensemble of performers, writers, stilt walkers, and musicians.
Community meals and gatherings that celebrate local food and creative connection.

Dream on the Farm: A Decade-Long Climate Performance

A standout initiative is “Dream on the Farm,” a compelling performance series running from 2020 through 2030. Each year brings a new eco-themed production exploring our relationship to agriculture and the environment.

One recent highlight, Play #6: “Paradise Lost: Scavenger Hunt,” premiered from July 24–August 3, 2025. Set across 25 acres of farmland, this immersive theatrical experience blends musical Noh Theatre, live music, interactive art, and guided scavenger hunts, prompting audiences to reflect on loss, renewal, and our connection to nature.

Why These Programs Stand Out

Farm Arts Collective doesn’t just offer workshops—it nurtures a creative ecosystem. From ecological stewardship to embodied theatre, and from communal cooking to botanical heritage, their offerings invite participants to learn, engage, and connect across disciplines and generations.

Growing Into a Permanent Home

Previously rooted in a greenhouse, the Collective is now raising funds for a brand-new Agri-Cultural Center—a modern barn equipped with ADA-accessible facilities, a flexible theatre venue, and year-round programming capabilities. The capital campaign has already raised significant support, with a goal of $250,000 to complete the build-out and ensure sustainable operations.

Why It Matters

Farm Arts Collective is more than a creative endeavor—it’s a bridge between art, ecology, and community. Through their immersive performances, thoughtful workshops, and connection to sustainable food systems, they cultivate a deeper awareness of place, purpose, and stewardship. In doing so, they not only elevate rural arts culture but also inspire environmental empathy and local resilience.

Check out the full Farm Arts Collective Calendar here!

Farm Arts Collective: Where Farm, Art & Community Flourish