Arts & Culture

We believe in the transformative power of the arts, and how they can impact a community.  Recognizing that a sustainable retail corridor will thrive if it can draw consumers from beyond the neighborhood, OARC now works closely with other community-based organizations and agencies serving Northwest Philadelphia to more effectively market their communities.

The Northwest already has a rich cultural heritage with several nationally certified historic sites situated along Germantown Avenue, and we have worked to promote and leverage this precious community resource.  A prime example of the work we have done to promote the arts and the community is the West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival.  This event was originally developed as a means of showcasing and marketing OARC’s accomplishments in West Oak Lane.  It has since played an enormous roll in the rebranding of West Oak Lane as a destination community of choice.  Also, for 30 days prior to the 2009 West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival, OARC will present, “Summer Begins in West Oak Lane,” a month of music and fun leading up to the start of Summer 2009.

OARC produces a series of smaller arts and culture events at a variety of venues located within Northwest Philadelphia.  These events are used to market and increase the visibility of the businesses located along the commercial corridors in West Oak Lane and other communities bordering West Oak Lane.

During the life of the Festival, new families are moving into the community in record numbers, while the volume of vacant houses have decreased from more than 350 to less than 70.  Commercial and retail businesses are moving into the commercial corridors in the area, as well, helping to create a tremendous sense of pride within the community.