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Art on the Streets: Conrad Benner's Philly Creative Journey

The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter
Episode • Jan 18, 2023 • 53m

Step right into 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, guided by your host, Rob Lee. In today’s conversation, I talked with Conrad Benner, the visionary behind StreetsDepartment.com, a renowned Philadelphia street art blog. A native of Fishtown, Conrad's diverse talents as a skilled photographer, influential blogger, curator, and podcaster converge in his exploration of art, public space, and creative minds. Recognized for catalyzing change within the community, he has garnered accolades from prestigious sources including The Guardian and Time Magazine. Conrad's legacy in the Philadelphia art scene is underscored by his extensive 12-year tenure with the Streets Department.


In this episode, we explore:

  • Conrad's journey as we uncover how his early passion for architecture and street art paved the way for the birth of Streets Department, a platform celebrating urban creativity.
  • The evolution of the Streets Department, from its origins as a photojournal archive to its current role as a hub for curatorial initiatives and collaborative ventures.
  • The mindset behind creative persistence with Conrad, as he shares insights on navigating challenges and embracing self-compassion along the artistic path.
  • The changing landscape where art and business intersect, as we discuss how artists like Conrad are capitalizing on opportunities to transform their passions into viable businesses.
  • The power of community support and the significance of platforms like Patreon, as Conrad sheds light on how his patrons and followers contribute to his creative projects and the independence of his publications.


Conrad discusses Conrad's early creative interests, the evolution of his blog into a full-time business, and the intersection of art and business. Conrad shares his experiences with partnerships and collaborations, as well as the importance of recognizing where art and business intersect. They also touch on the concept of home and how Conrad brings a sense of Philadelphia with him when he travels.


Mentioned in the episode
Streets D E P T like Department


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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

  • Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
  • Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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