New Banner Initiative Transforms South Broad Street into a Living Canvas
PHILADELPHIA (May 5, 2026) — South Broad Street has taken on a new rhythm. Today, Avenue of the Arts, Inc. (AAI) unveiled a sweeping new public art installation that transforms the Avenue of the Arts into a vibrant, open-air gallery, celebrating Philadelphia’s creative spirit and freedom of expression as the city, and the nation, approaches its 250th anniversary.
The initiative introduces 36 large-scale banners designed by nine Philadelphia-based artists, now installed primarily along the corridor from Lombard Street to Washington Avenue, with additional placements between Pine and Spruce Streets. Together, the banners form a continuous visual experience, expanding the reach of public art further south and reinforcing the Avenue’s role as one of the city’s most dynamic cultural boulevards.
Unveiled as part of the broader AveArts 2.0 vision, the project brings art out of galleries and into the everyday flow of city life, inviting residents and visitors alike to encounter creativity at street level.
“Great cities tell their story in the public realm, and this is Philadelphia doing exactly that,” shared Carl Dranoff, chair of the AAI board. “These banners turn the Avenue of the Arts into a living expression of who we are; creative, independent, and constantly evolving. It’s an early and visible step in transforming South Broad Street into one of the greatest cultural avenues in the world.”
The selected artists were chosen through a competitive open call for artists, reflecting the depth and diversity of Philadelphia’s creative community. Each artist developed a series of four designs that explore what makes the city bold, independent, and unlike anywhere else.
Curated by Julia Guerrero of Civic Centered Projects, the installation creates a unified yet varied visual narrative, one that speaks about history, identity, community, and imagination.
“This project is about making art a more intimate part of everyday life. You don’t need a ticket or a destination, you can just stroll the avenue,” said Desaree Jones, executive director of AAI. “These artists are telling Philadelphia’s story in real time, and the Avenue becomes a place where everyone can see themselves reflected.”
Funding for the project was provided in part by a grant from the City of Philadelphia Department of Commerce, supporting ongoing efforts to enhance public spaces across the city.
Featured Artists and Works
The Avenue’s new outdoor gallery showcases original works crafted by nine Philadelphia-based artists:
- Amanda Granum Milz — A textile artist reimagining the American flag as a multicolored, inclusive emblem, her work reflects Philadelphia’s diversity and evolving understanding of identity and patriotism.
- Fabiola Lara — Drawing from her citywide mini print series, Lara transforms familiar Philadelphia landmarks into bold, nostalgic illustrations that celebrate everyday civic pride.
- Keni Thomas — With a pop-surrealist lens, Thomas brings historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and William Penn to life in playful, energetic scenes that celebrate Philadelphia’s 250th anniversary.
- Lindsay Larmer — Through winding forms, vibrant color, and layered symbolism, Larmer explores the individuality and collective spirit that define Philadelphia’s people and neighborhoods.
- Marian Bailey — Centering community, memory, and identity, Bailey’s work highlights everyday creativity, from community gardens to youth expression, as essential to the city’s cultural fabric.
- Molly Egan — Using floral motifs as metaphor, Egan captures the cyclical, evolving nature of Philadelphia’s creative energy.
- Rebecca Montedoro — Inspired by historic artworks and contemporary creators alike, Montedoro’s designs trace a lineage of artistic voices rising through Philadelphia’s past, present, and future.
- Roxana Azar — Through vibrant, biomorphic forms influenced by plant systems and speculative design, Azar’s work explores movement, connection, and transformation.
- Sarah Haenn — Referencing Philadelphia’s textile heritage, Haenn reinterprets traditional patterns through a surreal, contemporary lens shaped by the city’s architecture and streetscape.
The Outdoor Art Banner Gallery initiative was guided by the Avenue of the Arts Public Art Steering Committee, which includes Marguerite Anglin (City of Philadelphia), Conrad Benner (Streets Department), Charlotte Cohen (Association for Public Art), Lily Goodspeed (Scout), Christine Marsal (Studio CMK), Tom Miles (Avenue of the Arts, Inc.), and artist Chuck Styles. The project’s success was also bolstered by Councilmember Mark Squilla, whose office provided a letter of support for the grant.
The banners will remain on display for approximately one year, offering a constantly accessible cultural experience for the millions who pass through the Avenue annually.
As AveArts 2.0 continues to unfold block by block, projects like this signal a broader transformation, one that blends infrastructure, environment, and artistic expression into a cohesive civic experience. On the Avenue of the Arts, the gallery walls are gone, and the city itself has become the canvas as we anticipate the semiquincentennial.
About Avenue of the Arts, Inc.
Avenue of the Arts, Inc. (AAI) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing and promoting the Avenue of the Arts — Philadelphia’s premier performing arts district along South Broad Street. Founded in 1993, AAI has played a central role in transforming the corridor into one of the nation’s leading cultural destinations, home to world-class theaters, concert halls, arts institutions, restaurants, residences, and public art. Through strategic investments, partnerships, and programming, AAI advances placemaking, economic development, and public engagement, ensuring the Avenue remains a vibrant, welcoming, and inspiring place for all.
Media Contact:
Liam McCaffery
lmccaffery@briancom.com
(908) 956-1664