South Street Aims for a Fresh Look with Artist-Designed Banners
The iconic South Street Headhouse District, spanning from Front Street to 11th Street, is set to get a vibrant makeover. The neighborhood's business improvement district has issued a call for artists to design and install 15 to 20 banner installations along lampposts, highlighting the area's rich history and cultural significance.
The project aims to beautify the district, supporting and showcasing Philadelphia's creative community. The banners will serve as a visual identifier for South Street, welcoming visitors and residents alike. A dedicated webpage will be created to honor the chosen artists, further emphasizing the neighborhood's artistic heritage.
From its Swedish and Dutch roots to its countercultural past, South Street has been a melting pot of creativity. The Magic Gardens, Isaiah Zagar's renowned mosaic gallery, is a testament to the area's ability to transform adversity into art. Established in 1960s amidst protests against an expressway, the project grew into a beloved cultural institution.
The neighborhood was once home to the historic Southwark Theatre, America's first permanent playhouse, built in 1766. The surrounding community played host to Swedish and Dutch settlers, as well as Black artists and business owners, while Fabric Row, situated on South 4th Street, became a textile industry hub in the early 20th century.
The Orlons' 1963 hit "South Street" immortalized the corridor's status as the "hippest street in town." Now, the South Street Headhouse District seeks to reclaim its place on the city's cultural map through this artistic initiative.
"We were a bit rudderless with our physical identity," said Eleanor Ingersoll, executive director of the South Street Headhouse District. "It was time to turn to the arts and give our district a fresh look."
To participate in the banner design program, artists must submit three to five samples of their work and provide a brief description of how they envision representing South Street's artistic spirit.
The deadline for applications is January 30, marking an exciting new chapter in the neighborhood's history. Will you be one of the chosen artists to leave your mark on South Street?
The iconic South Street Headhouse District, spanning from Front Street to 11th Street, is set to get a vibrant makeover. The neighborhood's business improvement district has issued a call for artists to design and install 15 to 20 banner installations along lampposts, highlighting the area's rich history and cultural significance.
The project aims to beautify the district, supporting and showcasing Philadelphia's creative community. The banners will serve as a visual identifier for South Street, welcoming visitors and residents alike. A dedicated webpage will be created to honor the chosen artists, further emphasizing the neighborhood's artistic heritage.
From its Swedish and Dutch roots to its countercultural past, South Street has been a melting pot of creativity. The Magic Gardens, Isaiah Zagar's renowned mosaic gallery, is a testament to the area's ability to transform adversity into art. Established in 1960s amidst protests against an expressway, the project grew into a beloved cultural institution.
The neighborhood was once home to the historic Southwark Theatre, America's first permanent playhouse, built in 1766. The surrounding community played host to Swedish and Dutch settlers, as well as Black artists and business owners, while Fabric Row, situated on South 4th Street, became a textile industry hub in the early 20th century.
The Orlons' 1963 hit "South Street" immortalized the corridor's status as the "hippest street in town." Now, the South Street Headhouse District seeks to reclaim its place on the city's cultural map through this artistic initiative.
"We were a bit rudderless with our physical identity," said Eleanor Ingersoll, executive director of the South Street Headhouse District. "It was time to turn to the arts and give our district a fresh look."
To participate in the banner design program, artists must submit three to five samples of their work and provide a brief description of how they envision representing South Street's artistic spirit.
The deadline for applications is January 30, marking an exciting new chapter in the neighborhood's history. Will you be one of the chosen artists to leave your mark on South Street?
! It's about time we give our beloved South Street some fresh flair 
. The banners are gonna add a pop of color and energy to the area, making it even more vibrant and welcoming for visitors and locals alike 
. And I love how they're giving shoutouts to our local artists and culture – it's all about celebrating what makes us unique and special in Philly 
. Plus, can you imagine seeing some amazing mosaics from Isaiah Zagar's Magic Gardens on those lampposts? Mind blown! 
Like, who wouldn't wanna see some awesome art covering up old lampposts? It's gonna look so rad and bring a whole new vibe to that area. I remember seeing those retro ads from the 90s on TV with Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff, they were always playing in Philly and South Street was like, the epicenter of coolness back then 
️. And now, it's all about bringing in some fresh talent and history to the table. I'm sure it's gonna be a win-win for both the artists and the community. Can't wait to see what kind of designs they come up with! 
. Plus, it’s like, they want to showcase the neighborhood's creative community, which is super cool 
. It’s like, they’re giving it a whole new identity, which is always good 
️?
Now they're giving the district a makeover and it's going to be lit! 
. I mean, can you imagine walking down South Street and seeing these amazing banner installations pop up everywhere? It'll be like a whole new neighborhood has emerged! I'm curious to see what kind of designs people come up with - will there be murals, graffiti, or something more abstract? Whatever it is, I hope they get some awesome stuff created because it'll definitely make the area feel more vibrant and lively 
. Fingers crossed for some sick designs!
. but at the same time, i can see how it could work - all the weird and wonderful history of south street is still there, just kinda... hidden 
How much are they planning to spend on these banners and is it coming from tax dollars or private investors? Also, what's with the "artistic spirit" vibe? 
This is what happens when you let creativity run wild...or in this case, wild and free 
And who needs a boring old identity when you can have a masterpiece? 
anyway, i love that they're gettin all artsy with this initiative. gotta give props to eleanor ingersoll and her team for recognizin the importance of creatin a fresh identity for south street. and can u imagine seein one of those banner designs goin up? it's like a work of art 
I'm so hyped about this banner design program!!! It's like, finally a chance for the South Street community to showcase its awesomeness to the world 
! The idea of artists coming together to create something unique and vibrant is literally giving me life 
. And I love that the project is supporting the local creative community 
the magic gardens is literally one of my fave places in philly too! 
but i guess its dope that they're giving artists a chance to showcase their talents. it's like, philly's always been all about expression & creativity so its cool that they're embracing that. plus, the history of south street is pretty wild - from the swedish & dutch settlers to the counterculture vibes... it's definitely got a unique vibe 
and showcase their skills 
. It's a great way to highlight the district's history & cultural significance 
anyway cant wait 2 c what kind of art they end up choosin!! 
... Mark my words, this is gonna be a whole lot more than just a "fresh look"