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Our work at BSR is always evolving. That's the nature of running a 21st-century arts publication. We want to give our donors the chance to evolve with us. As we head into 2024, we’re inviting you to a new program: our Local Media Champions, who give $19/month in honor of our 19th anniversary.

You can do a lot with $19. You can see a movie at the multiplex (maybe two if they're matinees). A digital subscription to the Inquirer costs about $22/month, and an ad-free Hulu account is $18/month. Are you a reader who turns to BSR every week to get our writers' takes on the Philly-area cultural scene? If so, have you considered strengthening your support?

We made the first Local Media Champion invitation a few weeks ago, and readers are responding. Linda Slodki, a longtime local arts leader and avid member of our cultural community, became one of our first Champions. We asked her why she made the leap.

"BSR gets a jump on so much happening in Philly," she answered. "They do it with insight, community connection, and darned good writing—all kinds of reviews in the visual and performing arts that pique my curiosity and delight me. But there’s something more that truly speaks to me. They are a small but mighty voice that doesn’t back down from issues like discrimination, disability, racism, queerness, and intersectionality—to name a few. So, it was time for me to donate. I urge you to do the same. We need them now more than ever."

Some of our writers gathered in July for drinks at Bok Bar.

Broad Street Review's work has evolved since our founding in 2005, both with changing times and with our intentions. Each editor has sharpened our focus, from Dan Rottenberg's initial concept of a global site to our current incarnation as Philly's home for arts, culture, and conversation. We develop dozens of emerging writers and feature many established ones. Our coverage centers inclusion and equity, including disability access. Meanwhile, peer institutions have slashed arts coverage, to the detriment of our communities.

Our costs (including our web presence, our growing team of dedicated editors, writers, and other professionals, and other aspects of doing business) have risen. Traditional institutional supports are shifting throughout the arts and culture community, but BSR writers still deserve to be paid a competitive rate. And we're still committed to providing professional arts coverage without a paywall.

Our Friends of BSR monthly donor program (starting at $5/month or one $60 gift per year) is going strong, and we're not changing it! It works for so many of our supporters. But we're adding our Local Media Champions program for the folks who are able to do more. With a fully tax-deductible $19 monthly gift, you'll enjoy all the benefits of being a Friend of BSR, including exclusive giveaways and free access to special events. In addition, our Champions will have early access to editorials and other chances to connect more deeply with our team. As we build this program, we want to hear from you! What do you want to see from us?

If you subscribe to much larger platforms for about $19/month, imagine the impact a similar investment in a small organization like ours can have. Together, let’s keep arts journalism going, and build new opportunities for our staff, readers, and partners—like you.

To be part of this, visit any Donate to BSR link and select “monthly” above the Amount menu, then select Local Media Champion.

Your support matters.