Conrad Benner
@StreetsDeptConrad Benner is the founder of StreetsDept.com. Named one of the 76 most influential people in Philly by Philadelphia magazine in 2020, Conrad is a Fishtown born-and-raised photo-blogger, curator, and podcaster. For the last 10 years, his work has explored art, public space, and creative minds shaping the world around us. Conrad has also used his platforms to advocate for better public transit with #SEPTA247; increased funding for Philly’s unhoused youth with #AmICutOut; and various voter drives including #ToThePolls and #MailboxVoters, among other efforts. “I focus on the public space because that’s what connects us. I believe that our shared spaces are powerful tools for building and supporting a more equitable city.”
More from the Contributor
Indoor dining is back, but let’s not forget the lessons of eating in the streets
Streeteries need to live on beyond the pandemic. When our government gave more space to restaurants, people discovered a more accessible city.
3 years ago
Listen 4:42
Unpacking the phallic fallacy atop Philadelphia City Hall
Conrad Benner investigates a question that haunted his teenage years in Philadelphia and uncovers the history behind Billy Penn’s eyebrow-raising pose atop City Hall.
4 years ago
Listen 5:51
In three new ‘First 100 Days’ posters, Philly artists lay out policies for Biden and Harris
The Mural Arts project was a bigger success than its creators imagined.
4 years ago
Black Lives Matter and rainbows: How Philly windows got political
The pandemic turned a place for cozy seasonal displays into a space for public dialogue.
4 years ago
Listen 8:35
Seriously, where are Philly’s public restrooms?
Public space writer Conrad Benner makes the case for public potties and talks to city officials about plans for a network of restrooms.
4 years ago
Listen 7:52