Each summer, the DRWC Waterfront Arts Program transforms Spruce Street Harbor Park into a colorful outdoor gallery with its annual flag exhibition. Sixteen selected artists create original designs inspired by a new theme, which are produced as large pennant flags and displayed throughout the park.
The series debuted in 2024 with Commemorations, inspired by Ree Morton’s 1975 installation Something in the Wind. The exhibition featured flags celebrating people, places, and ideas worth remembering.
In 2025, States of Change explored the changing energy of city life, with artists sharing their own takes on transformation, resilience, and the urban experience.
For 2026, Roots of Resilience celebrates the many cultures that have helped shape Philadelphia. Artists were invited to share stories of hope, strength, immigration, and community, honoring the journeys of those who have made Philly home.
DRWC covers all production costs for the exhibition, and each selected artist receives a $300 honorarium.
"Roots of Resilence" featured artists: Adrian Adams Jr.; Jusuf Brkić; Joseph Carrillo; Karsten Benjamin; Ekhougen Larsen; Charlotte Gachet; Rudy Gerson; Galen Gibson-Cornell; Imogen Gosnell; Ekene Ijeoma; Edward Liddle; Center for Peripheries; Chloe Luisa Piñero; Martín Pintos; Keysha Rivera; Keni Thomas; Aaron Lam Kwok Yam. Learn more about the artists and review the project statement.
"Commenorations" featured artists: Amy Boone-McCreesh, Jordan Buschur, Alex Ebstein, Austin Eddy, Kati Gegenheimer, Mark Gibson, James Heimer, Madeleine Herisson-Leplae, Duwenavue Santé Johnson, Alicia Link, Caitlin McCormack, Addison Namnoum, Brice Peterson, Gordon Stillman, Katharine Suchan, Keo Luu.
"States of Change" featured artists: Natessa Amin, Molly Burt Westvig, Anthony, Campuzano, Bruno Cançado, Amie Cunat, Nicolo Gentile, Dave Greber, Rachel Hsu, Sarah Leuchtner, Yutian Liu 刘雨田, Keith Micheal Murphy, Abbey Muza, Parker Phelps, Kamonchanok Phon-ngam, Alana Walters
