The seven weeks

One exhibition stays up for the whole run. Each week a different idea takes the spotlight, so there’s a reason to come back.

Week 1: The Origin
Where did Philadelphia street art come from?
Philadelphia’s history in graffiti and street art: photographs, archive material, early writers and the artists answering them now. It sets the ground for everything after.
Week 2: The Writer
What’s in a name?
Tags, letters, style and identity: the basic vocabulary of graffiti. Expect live writing, and a plain guide from a tag to a throw-up to a piece to a mural.
Week 3: The Character
What else is on the wall?
Characters, stickers, wheatpaste, creatures and jokes. Street art is a lot more than spray paint and letters.
Week 4: Who Owns the Wall?
Who decides what the city looks like?
Art, advertising, protest and development all meet in public space. Artists sit down with neighbors, planners and the people who own the buildings.
Week 5: The City as Canvas
What happens when it’s made in front of you?
The biggest week: live painting, installations, DJs and food, with several artists working at once.
Week 6: From Wall to Gallery
How does a street artist make a living?
Galleries, collectors, brands and the city. Who gets paid, who owns a piece that’s on a wall, and what happens when the building comes down.
Week 7: The Future
Where does it go next?
New artists meet established ones, and earlier weeks come back. The last conversation asks what Philadelphia’s relationship with street art should be for the next ten years.

Planned around the art

These are plans, not promises yet. The program for each week is posted as it’s confirmed.

Dates, the artist lineup and opening night go to this list before anywhere else. One email when there’s news.