Honoring Philadelphia's Street Art Pioneers
6pm-9pm
On September 20th, the iconic Cornbread, also known as Darryl McCray, will host the 2nd Annual Pioneers of Philly Street Art award ceremony, famously known as “The Cornbread Achievement Awards.” This prestigious event promises an evening of celebration, recognition, and inspiration. Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to meet Philly’s Original Graffiti Legends, who will be making special appearances at the ceremony. This ceremony will shine a spotlight on the trailblazers of Philadelphia’s vibrant street art scene. These individuals have not only shaped the landscape of Philadelphia's street art but have also inspired countless artists and enthusiasts.
Nominees For This Year’s Awards Include:
Dr. Cool (Dr. Cool No. 1): A revered Street Art pioneer.
Sarah McCorriston: A visionary behind Paradigm Art Gallery.
DJ Too Tuff: A Philly legend of the world famous Tuff Crew whose influence extends beyond the
turntables.
Mutt: An airbrush artist and pioneer whose works have left an indelible mark.
Sank The Graffiti Ambassador: Celebrated for his contributions to Street Art culture.
Leon Rainbow: Jersey Fresh curator and artist in Trenton, NJ who combines street art & other
artistic forms into innovative projects and events.
Snapkrackart: Philadelphia Multi media Street Artists & Photographer.
Dan Mason: A Tattoo Artist who creates illustrative, eccentric subject matters & geometric
designs
Montrelle Douglas: Artist & Guest Speakers
James Burns: Artists with the Philadelphia Mural Arts
Rambo Rame: A legendary Street Artist & Muralist
Distinguished Guest Speakers Include:
Zakaariyah Hardin: Executive Director of The Hip Hop Foundation, known for his dedication to
preserving and promoting hip hop culture.
Ogbonna Hagins: Former editor of Philly Word Magazine and a prominent local political leader,
who has championed the arts and community engagement.
Rambo Rame: A legendary Street Artist whose works have become emblematic of the city’s
artistic spirit.
Dan One: Acclaimed Street Artists and muralist
Roz Fulton: creator of Direction & Exposure Access
Zee Jones
Celebrating Hip Hop Culture
This award ceremony is not just about honoring individuals but also about recognizing the broader cultural significance of hip hop’s artistic elements. From Street Art to DJing, these art forms have given voice to the marginalized and have fostered a sense of community and identity. By celebrating these pioneers, we inspire the next generation to explore their creativity and learn from Philadelphia’s rich hip hop history and roots. Understanding and appreciating this history is crucial for the younger generation. It allows them to grow within the culture, drawing inspiration from the past to innovate for the future. The Cornbread Street Art Achievement Awards serve as a bridge between generations, ensuring that the legacy of Philadelphia’s hip hop and street art pioneers continues to inspire and flourish.
Join us for an evening of celebration, history, and inspiration at The Rotunda on Friday, September 20th Witness the honoring of those who have shaped Philadelphia’s artistic landscape and be part of a movement that continues to inspire and uplift.
Sponsors And Supporters:
This event is generously sponsored by The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, Graffiti For Good, and Cornbread The Legend.
The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program: Founded in 1984, this program has transformed the city into an expansive canvas, with over 4,000 murals created to date. It stands as the nation's largest public art initiative, fostering community engagement and artistic expression. Cornbread’s journey began in the late 1960s when he started tagging walls to get the attention of a girl. His audacity and creativity sparked a movement that spread from Philadelphia to cities around the world. Today, Cornbread is celebrated as a pioneer who elevated graffiti from vandalism to a respected art form.
Admission is FREE