12 QBIPOC Artists Team Up with Black Businesses To Transform Philly for the Holidays
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VISIT PHILADELPHIA announced the launch of the Love + Grit Storefronts Project.
It’s an extension of its popular Love + Grit podcast, aimed at reinvigorating and beautifying the city’s empty storefronts by transforming them into art installations.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 10: Rachel Ferguson, Chief Innovation & Global Diversity Officer, speaks during the Love + Grit Storefronts Project unveiling ceremony in Center City on November 10, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®)
The citywide exhibition features original creations by 12 QBIPOC (queer, Black, Indigenous, people of color) artists that highlight 24 Black-and Brown-owned businesses adversely affected by COVID-19 and gives fans of the art a chance to win nearly $2,000 in prizes from these vital businesses.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 10: Close up of artwork created by Derick Jones during the Love + Grit Storefronts Project unveiling ceremony in Center City on November 10, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®)
The integrated marketing initiative is part of VISIT PHILADELPHIA’s continuing efforts to support Black-and Brown-owned businesses and supplement the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to cultivating and growing small, diverse businesses.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 10: NazAarah Sabree, Senior Director, Office of Business Services, City of Philadelphia speaks during the Love + Grit Storefronts Project unveiling ceremony in Center City on November 10, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®)
On view through the holidays, the art appears in 14 storefronts in multiple neighborhoods —from Chinatown and Roxborough to Northern Liberties and Northwest Philly.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 10: Artist Nazeer Sabree gets a hug from his friend during the Love + Grit Storefronts Project unveiling ceremony in Center City on November 10, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®)
Curated by photographer Conrad Benner (of photo blog Streets Dept.) and curator Ginger Rudolph, the installation features works by Fabiola Laura, Tash Billington and Nazeer Sabree, to name a few.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 10: A general view during the Love + Grit Storefronts Project unveiling ceremony in Center City on November 10, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®)
“We’re ecstatic that theLove + Grit Storefronts Project is beautifying the city, building civic pride, shining a light on local QBIPOC artists and supporting the Black-and Brown-owned businesses that are so vital to our neighborhoods,” said Rachel Ferguson, chief innovation & global diversity officer, VISIT PHILADELPHIA.
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“The love and grit, creativity and resilience of Philadelphia’s artists and entrepreneurs are the soul of this city, and the campaign demonstrates what Philly does best: Turn loss into inspiration and empty spaces into opportunity.”
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 10: Close up of artwork created by Nazeer Sabree during the Love + Grit Storefronts Project unveiling ceremony in Center City on November 10, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®)
Each artist collaborated with two businesses that served as the inspiration for their custom-made digital artwork.The full list of artists and businesses is available here.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 10: Artist Nazeer Sabree interviewed by KYW News Radio during the Love + Grit Storefronts Project unveiling ceremony in Center City on November 10, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®)
Shop Black Business Friday:In addition to beautifying the city, the project encouragesPhiladelphians to shop Black-and Brown-owned businesses during the holiday season and beyond—an effort that will be reinforced by the City of Philadelphia through the second year of its Shop Black Business Friday initiative, taking place each Friday in December of 2021.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 10: Confetti blows in the air to unveil artwork created by Nazeer Sabree during the Love + Grit Storefronts Project unveiling ceremony in Center City on November 10, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lisa Lake/Getty Images for VISIT PHILADELPHIA®)
Introduced by The Honorable Cherelle L. Parker, the resolution aims to support the jobs, revenue and economic impact generated by these vital businesses.“It should come as no surprise that the holiday season isa make-or-break time for most retail businesses, and Uncle Bobbie’s is no different. We do everything we can to make the end of the year a huge success,” said Justin Moore, general manager. “That’s why we’re excited to be working with VISIT PHILADELPHIA on this initiative, and we’re hoping that having this platform will introduce us to future customers who will think of us when it’s time to buy gifts for their friends and family.”
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Love + Grit Sweepstakes: Fans of the art can enter the Love + Grit Sweepstakes, giving them a chance to win a $2,000 prize package with more than 20 gifts curated from some of Philly’s best Black-andBrown-owned stores—many of which are featured in the exhibit.
Among the prizes: beauty and wellness products from A Man’s Cave and Ursula’s About Phace Rittenhouse Makeup Studio, clothes from The Modern Republic and Harriett’s Bookshop, and homewares fromYOWIE and Roberto Lugo Studio.
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Participants can enter the sweepstakes at visitphilly.com/storefrontsor through the QRcode featured on each of the 24 pieces of art.
The contest is open through December 30, 2021.
