PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A citywide exhibit to help beautify empty storefronts in Philadelphia was unveiled Wednesday as part of Visit Philadelphia’s effort to support Black and brown-owned businesses.
"Love and Grit," features the work of 12 queer, Black, indigenous, people of color artists.
The works of art highlight 24 Black and brown-owned business adversely impacted by COVID-19.
They will be on display in 14 storefronts from Chinatown and Roxborough to Northern Liberties and Northwest Philly.
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Co-curator and photographer Conrad Benner said the aim is to inspire people to shop small minority-owned businesses around the city.
"One of the ways to do that is to work with artists who create these wonderful works of art that I think really dive in to what the heart and soul of these businesses are," said Benner.
One of the pieces unveiled was created by Nazeer Sabree. He said it reflects his mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, since she owns several businesses. The piece is untitled.
"I'm not really a title guy," said Sabree. "I like for people to interpret the work, to be honest. I like for people to find a name for it on their own."
The project leads into Philadelphia’s Shop Black Business Friday initiative, which is in its second year and takes place every Friday in December.
