Art Rise Savannah and Savannah Development & Renewal Authority are pleased to announce that the April 1st Better Block in Starland with the 50th First Friday Art March was an incredible success. Despite the challenges of poor weather, the event demonstrated how with temporary interventions, our streets can become vibrant and active spaces for the entire community.

Over 800 people participated in the Better Block from 3:00 to 6:30 PM before heavy rain and strong winds forced the event to come to an early close. The 50th First Friday Art March continued until 9:00 PM with over 26 local businesses. During the Better Block, residents interacted with the many streetscape improvements and activities showcased in the corridor. The Bull Street Food Truck Park used part of the block to provide tables, chairs, and fare from four local food trucks for hungry participants to enjoy. Across the street, a new mural was produced by artists from the neighborhood to accompany the murals painted over 5 years ago on the side of the Starland Dairy.

Participants in the Better Block event also experimented with ideas in tactical urbanism. The transformed block included a designated bike lane, clearly marked parking spots, and a crosswalk created using chalk paint. Plants from David’s Nursery were placed along the street to beautify the area, explore traffic-calming techniques, and help define new public spaces.

Moving forward, the Better Block program will partner with other neighborhoods and community groups to organize and create more reimagined, responsive, and engaging urban areas throughout Savannah. Be sure to check out the mini-Better Block at Historic Savannah Foundation’s Preservation Day on May 7th.

The Better Block in Starland with the 50th First Friday Art March was supported in part by Gulfstream and the City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs.