For Austin Gingerich, photography is much more than just making art or capturing memorable moments—it’s a powerful way to build community. As a professional photographer and co-founder of Silo, an arts collective rooted in York, Austin has committed himself to creating spaces, both virtual and through in-person events, where artists can connect, collaborate, and flourish.
Austin’s partnership to launch Silo with longtime friend Gavin Smith jumped off the drawing board in 2020, a year that challenged community bonds everywhere, and quickly became known for its inclusive, collaborative atmosphere. In attracting creatives from York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and beyond, Austin and Gavin realized a vision that would nurture the local region’s unique artistic talent and bring together a vibrant network of creatives—something that captures the #CultureHappensHere spirit in a uniquely impactful way.
York’s arts scene is thriving, and working artists like Austin are at its heart, bridging the gap between creativity and connection. That’s why we wanted to get his take on some of the local cultural happenings he’s most excited about, including Silo’s own capture events.
This Isn’t Just Networking for Photographers. It’s a Vital Community for Local Artists.
Austin gets asked the question, “What’s Silo?” with a frequency that has led him to fully elaborate on the answer on his professional website’s About page, but he’s always game to enthusiastically dive into the details for the uninitiated. And to hear him talk about Silo is inspirational and energizing.
At its core, Silo is a community for artists—both seasoned professionals and young creatives looking to establish their craft. In Austin’s words, it’s his effort toward creating a meaningful and sustainable community—to build something bigger than himself.
A Collective with a Mission to Make Connections.
“Silo is more than a network; it’s a vital community for local creatives to share, grow, and thrive,” Austin shares. In a time when digital connections are more accessible than ever, Silo stands out by bringing people together face-to-face, creating a tangible, thriving community. That’s not to say the collective isn’t cultivating a vibrant online presence. An active Discord channel and a popular podcast (locally recorded at a studio in New York Wire Works) keep everyone connected between Silo’s engaging in-person events.
These gatherings, known as “captures,” are joyfully organized, free content events that bring together developing and established models and photographers for a unique blend of culture and creativity, experienced mainly through camera lenses (Check out Silo’s Instagram account for breathtaking visuals).
Each capture event explores diverse settings—from traditional studios and urban landscapes to scenic outdoor spaces—showcasing the area’s variety and inspiring participants to create compelling visual stories. Attendees have the opportunity to collaborate and forge lasting connections with like-minded creatives who share their passion for art. These immersive events also naturally celebrate York’s cultural landscape, and for Austin, they represent the heart of Silo’s mission: building a community rooted in artistic expression. “Capture events go beyond photography,” he shares. “They’re about building relationships, discovering the city, and celebrating creativity together.”
As each capture brings together local talent, it also fosters a ripple effect across the region, drawing creatives from Lancaster, Harrisburg, and beyond to experience York’s vibrant arts community. Whether set in a lively market, a neighborhood business, or an open-air scene, York’s eclectic charm is woven into the captured art itself.
Continuing the Capture: What’s Next for Silo?
Driven by a love for storytelling and human connection, Austin continues to expand Silo’s reach and strengthen the threads it has woven into York’s cultural fabric. He has hosted capture events in downtown Lancaster and would also love to explore some Harrisburg-area venues in the future. However, it’s York City where Silo is genuinely at home.
Austin’s dedication to nurturing relationships within this community has made Silo a cornerstone of York’s artistic landscape. In fact, by the time you read this, Silo will have taken over the York Revolution’s WellSpan Park stadium for a special end-of-2024 capture event during Bright Nights York, which Austin is absolutely thrilled about. He shares, “This capture is a pivotal moment in Silo’s growth because we’re being attached to something larger than ourselves. We’re becoming even more visible beyond smaller studio spaces, and it’s super exciting!”
Through Silo, Austin, co-founder Gavin, and other local visual artists are creating a legacy that celebrates the region’s creative spirit and cultivates a network where art isn’t just something you make alone in the studio—it’s something you experience and share with others. As Austin puts it, “Art isn’t something we do in isolation; it’s something we build together.”
#CultureHappensHere – Get Inspired and Join the Conversation.
Looking for cool cultural happenings and events? Want to volunteer with an organization to promote arts and culture in York County? You’re in the right place.
Check out the York365 event calendar for upcoming performances, events, and so much more! And don’t forget to explore more about some of Austin Gingerich’s favorite local cultural organizations, locations, and experiences:
New York Wire Works
717 Vintage Fest
Revolt Style Studio
Refillism
