Writer: Eleana Teran
2 min read April 2023— Eyes Gallery, a Philadelphia icon in the arts scene, reopened on South Street over the weekend less than a year after the original shop was severely damaged in a fire. Proprietor Julia Zagar has become a mainstay in the City of Brotherly Love — supporting the arts and culture community.
The significance of the reopening of Eyes Gallery extends beyond South Street, as the arts and cultural sector is a vital regional asset that generates significant economic activity, supporting thousands of jobs and businesses. According to the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, the total economic impact of the arts and culture industry in Philadelphia is a staggering $4.1 billion, with direct expenditures by cultural organizations and audiences accounting for $1.9 billion. As the dollars spent by these organizations and audiences ripple through the economy, they trigger additional rounds of indirect spending that add up to another $2.2 billion in economic impact.
One of the driving forces behind the support and promotion of arts, culture and creative industries in Philadelphia is the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE). The office has a long history of assisting regional artists and cultural organizations, and it plays a critical role in bridging the accessibility gap to high-quality cultural experiences and creative expression. In 2022, it funded 1,849 artists, organized 188 free neighborhood arts programs and attracted 49,776 attendees to neighborhood programs. Through its programs, the organization has been effective in expanding access to the arts in the Greater Philadelphia region and boosting the sector’s contribution to the city’s economy and community.
The new site at 327 South St. will carry many of the same items as the old location, including handmade artwork, jewelry and sculptures from folk artists from all over the world. The new gallery will feature a mix of classic and new artwork. Some of the artwork saved from the fire will be on display or for sale, and the front window will include a specially repaired neon sign designed by the original artist. The original location’s hardwood shelving have also been saved and add to the store’s warm and friendly feel.
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