ABOUT US
The SouthSide Arts District’s mission is to build upon the community’s vibrant and innovative artistic, cultural, and entrepreneurial heritage to support and enhance economic development in South Bethlehem.
The SouthSide Arts District is a downtown revitalization program that works to improve the economic conditions for businesses and institutions located in the core business district of South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Formally organized in 2015 in partnership with Lehigh University and the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation, the SouthSide Arts District follows the nationally recognized Main Street Four Point Approach from the National Main Street Program, focused on the developing committees of volunteers committed to the Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality of South Bethlehem.
Who We Are
The SouthSide Arts District is a downtown revitalization program that works to improve the economic conditions for businesses and institutions located in the core business district of South Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Formally organized in 2015 in partnership with Lehigh University and the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation, the SouthSide Arts District follows the nationally recognized Main Street Four Point Approach from the National Main Street Program, focused on the developing committees of volunteers committed to the Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality of South Bethlehem.
Our Vision
Bethlehem’s SouthSide Arts District will be recognized nationally as a dynamic community where existing businesses thrive and new business want to locate; where visitors and patrons feel comfortable and welcomed; where the diversity and heritage of the community are respected and celebrated; and where community stakeholders work together to plan for a vibrant future.
STAFF
Missy Hartney
Main Street Manager
Missy serves as SouthSide Main Street Manager. She works in collaboration with the City of Bethlehem, and the businesses and non-profits of South Bethlehem to implement a multi-year strategic plan to improve the streetscape, economic development, marketing, branding and organizational sustainability of the SouthSide Arts District.Missy has worked in event marketing, community services, fundraising and advertising for over 11 years working such firms as The Morning Call, The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, 20th Century Fox, Nintendo, The Lehigh Valley IronPigs, The Allentown Art Museum and The Lehigh Valley Phantoms.She is an active member of the SouthSide Vision 20/20 Committee with the Community Action Development Corporation of Bethlehem and is dedicated to the revitalization of the SouthSide.
missy@southsideartsdistrict.com
484-892-0395
Kate Armbruster
Main Street Coordinator
Kate serves as the SouthSide Main Street Coordinator. She supports the initiatives of the SouthSide Arts District’s Strategic Plan and specifically the programs and partnerships with Lehigh University and Northampton Community College. Over the last 7 years she's worked and volunteered for local organizations and environmental non-profits including NCC and Lehigh University where she managed gardens in SouthSide and at Lehigh, The Nurture Nature Center, Rodale Institute, The World Wildlife Fund, and The Desert Botanical Garden. One of the projects she led was the Greenway edible landscape and raised bed gardens. She also created a Farm to Fork free food access program where she grew and donated fresh food to New Bethany Food Pantry as a student at Lehigh. Additionally, she has taught garden and environmental lessons to the Boys & Girls Club, Lehigh Students, SouthSide volunteers, and has taught classes on food preservation at the public library.
kate@southsideartsdistrict.com
610-216-8329
When out and about be sure to look for our SouthSide Ambassadors. Dressed in their signature gold and blue, our ambassadors are easy to spot and always there to help. All provide an energetic and personal hospitality, directions, recommendations and assistance. So if you don’t know where to go or what to do – just look for the Gold & Blue!
For more details on the SouthSide Ambassadors please visit
When out and about be sure to look for our SouthSide Ambassadors. Dressed in their signature gold and blue, our ambassadors are easy to spot and always there to help. All provide an energetic and personal hospitality, directions, recommendations and assistance. So if you don’t know where to go or what to do – just look for the Gold & Blue!
For more details on the SouthSide Ambassadors please visit