South Street Lamppost Banner Design Project
South Street seeks 15-20 artists to design banners for a beautification project celebrating the neighborhood's rich history and artistic heritage.
The South Street Headhouse District is launching a creative call to artists to design banners that will be displayed on lampposts throughout the corridor. This beautification project aims to capture the spirit and history of one of Philadelphia's most iconic neighborhoods while supporting and highlighting the city's creative community.
The project seeks 15 to 20 artists with backgrounds in painting, illustration, graphic design, and typography. Selected artists will have their work featured on lampposts along the South Street corridor, from Front Street to 11th Street, and along numbered streets from Lombard to Bainbridge streets. The district also extends down Fourth Street from Lombard to Christian streets.
South Street has a storied artistic legacy. The neighborhood is home to Isaiah Zagar's Magic Gardens, a renowned 3,000-square-foot mosaic gallery, and historically served as a beacon for the city's Black artists and business owners. The area also features Fabric Row, historic theaters, and a vibrant countercultural scene that inspired The Orlons' 1963 hit "South Street." The banners will help visually embrace this artistic heritage while welcoming visitors and residents.
Selected artists will receive recognition on a special webpage built by the South Street District to honor their contributions. The business improvement district secured a grant to fund this project as part of broader efforts to strengthen the district's physical identity and visual appearance.
Executive Director Eleanor Ingersoll emphasized the importance of this initiative: "The members of the Vision Committee were committed to having South Street visually embrace its artistic roots." After stabilizing the budget and creating a robust events schedule, the focus has turned to the district's physical identity.