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, an initiative of the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation, 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, an initiative of the Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation, 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 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
610-419-9180
Mike DeCrosta serves as the Coordinator of the SouthSide Arts District. He was born and raised in Bethlehem and is a lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley. Mike attended Lehigh University, where he received his Bachelor’s in Sociology and Economics as well as his Master’s in Sociology. As a graduate student, he was awarded the Vice Provost Award for Service for his work both in the southside of Bethlehem and abroad. Mike has worked for community non-profits including the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley and has additional experience in community and regional planning. He is also an avid musician who has performed at Musikfest and is ecstatic about growing the arts and music scene on the southside.
mike@southsideartsdistrict.com
610-360-2462
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
