Creative economy
145 results
Page 1
On November 3, Philly voters will decide the fate of our city’s office of arts and culture
A “yes” on ballot question 2 will make Creative Philadelphia a permanent office, and send a message on arts funding
On November 3, Question 2 on the Philadelphia ballot will ask voters if we should make our city arts and culture office permanent, instead of subject to the whims of the mayor. Alaina Johns speaks to city leaders about the measure.
Features
5 minute read
Little Movie Store is set to open in South Philly’s analog media haven
Reviving movie rental culture with the city’s first movie rental store in a decade
Shop owner Dylan Wise says opening a movie rental shop was "a dream." Ahead of its grand opening on October 24, 2026, Elijah Fischer previews.
Previews
4 minute read
Inside the rally to save the Academy of Natural Sciences
People fighting “truth decay” in the age of AI want to keep Philly’s natural sciences museum open
On September 8, one week after the shocking news broke that the Academy of Natural Sciences will close at the end of September, the community rallied to save it. Anndee Hochman was there.
Features
6 minute read
Through the lens of young artists with LensBright Initiative
Education in artmaking
LensBright Initiative from UPenn grads empowers students through storytelling and professional mentorship. Dara McBride profiles.
Profiles
2 minute read
Behind the Philly boom of pay-what-you-can theater tickets
Theaters are experimenting with ticket prices. What does this mean for artists and audiences?
As Philly theater festivals experiment with "pay-what-you-can" ticketing structures, how does this really affect companies, artists, and audiences? Gauri Mangala finds out.
Features
8 minute read
The past, present, and future of the ODUNDE festival
A joyous cultural fete
The ODUNDE festival has become one of Philadelphia’s largest celebrations, and as it celebrates 51 years, what about its origins and its future are important now more than ever? Constance Garcia-Barrio profiles.
Profiles
4 minute read
Join arts advocates in demanding $6 million for the Philadelphia Cultural Fund
Another year, another arts budget fight. We’re ready.
Each budget season, arts advocates rally to remind City Hall that Philly doesn’t run without funding for the creative sector. As the deadline for FY27 looms, we need to speak up for the Philadelphia Cultural Fund. Alaina Johns explains.
Editorials
6 minute read
What did Philly audiences and theaters learn from the 2026 Citywide James Ijames Pass?
Tracking an experiment in multi-theater marketing
As three Philly theaters programmed works by James Ijames in the 2025-26 season, they decided to join forces to attract new audiences. Did it work? Wendy Univer finds out.
Features
7 minute read
The BSR Podcast: Talking with Streets Dept founder Conrad Benner
"Philly is not a real place"
Darnelle Radford dives deep with Conrad Benner about his unusual career, his dreams for Philly, the challenge of sustaining indie media, and how Benner's "Philly is not a real place" series is getting more eyes on public art.
Podcast
1 minute read
On the record with Aaron Pond and the People's Music Supply Recording Company
An instrumental movement
Multi-instrumentalist Aaron Pond’s record label is helping encourage and educate people of all levels who are interested in playing music. John Morrison profiles.
Profiles
3 minute read