Page 34 - Valley Life & Health

34 SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 THE MORNING CALL

CAPITALIZING ON
Culture

n Saturday, April 27, for the 24th year, passion for the project has spread and the city has
the Spring on the SouthSide Community HOW THE ARTS HELPED adopted a “can do” attitude.
OFestival & Chili Cook-Off will bring live art Southside Bethlehem is not unique, of course,
demonstrations, music, and kids’ activities – as well FUEL SOUTHSIDE in looking to the arts as an economic catalyst for
as a reason for all of us to carry our Musikfest mugs improving an urban area’s quality of life. Cities across
around before August – to an area that is experiencing BETHLEHEM’S the country – particularly those hit hard by the
increased enthusiasm for its community progress. demise of industries that once fueled their greatness
If it feels like the urban renewal taking place in RESURGENCE – have realized that a vibrant arts scene can attract
Southside Bethlehem has been talked about for the foot traffic and spur the opening of supportive
past two decades, it’s because it’s true. It’s been 24 The city’s transformation amenities like restaurants, shops, schools, and parks
years since Bethlehem Steel ceased steelmaking, and and leisure areas. But the area is widely regarded
16 years since the company was dissolved and its assets has looked to creativity as for its sensible, clearheaded vision that, for the last
divided. It’s a story that locals know well, and one that an economic catalyst 19 years, has focused on neighborhoods and the
they’ve told repeatedly for visitors, for the national news preservation of what the city once was.
media, and for curiosity seekers. By Shannon Sigafoos of The Morning Call “I think one of the things that has been really
The presence of a world-class university, growing important is building off of the history of what the
tech scene, a long-standing healthcare anchor and the Southside culture was. There were a lot of steel
support of committed investors are just a few examples Associates and whose own career in economic workers, and the people who had boots to the ground
on the long list of reasons for the revival. development spans more than 30 years. “There’s a were living in the Southside, and that’s been turned
But in looking at the area’s impressive turnaround, Design committee that looks at what the buildings into what the current culture is – people who are living
it’s important to take note of the key role played over look like and what the streetscape is. Then there’s and working here, and want it to be a place they can
the last four years by the SouthSide Arts District, a a Promotions committee, which is everything that be excited to enjoy after hours,” says Stacie Brennan,
downtown revitalization program formally organized you see visually representing the arts district. The ArtsQuests’ Senior Director of Visual Arts. “That’s
in 2015 in partnership with Lehigh University and the Economic Vitality committee focuses on businesses been exciting to see. Twenty years ago, the Southside
Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation. and keeping the storefronts filled. And then there’s the wasn’t a place where you’d want to be going out at
The program follows the nationally-recognized “Main Organization committee, which focuses on volunteers night, but at the time there was this bubbling up of an
Street Four Point Approach” from the National Main for events and fundraising.” arts district where there were these really cool galleries
Street Program, which utilizes committees of volunteers The overarching structure with the Main Street and shops. You’ve seen that kind of ripple effect and
to help spark transformation. approach, Taggart points out, is that it is volunteer- how that has established this as a place to come to.”
“This is a tried and true revitalization method that driven. While there is an intention to have all The Banana Factory, which is home to ArtsQuest’s
cities all across America have used, and it takes four stakeholders involved, volunteers for events throughout visual arts education programs, was one of the
different committees into account,” explains Donna the year bring in people of all ages and those who live
Taggart, Principal at Taggart outside of the district, as well, showcasing that the CULTURE PAGE 35

Photos courtesy of SouthSide Arts District