Check Out SF’s 26 New Filipino Lanterns in SoMa Alleyway

SF Parks Alliance and SOMA Pilipinas are excited to celebrate a new culturally inspired light installation on the historic 500 block of Stevenson Street in SOMA. The festivities will take place under the SkyBridge on Thursday, November 4th, and honor the 26 custom-designed, 3 foot tall, nickel lanterns strung across the alley between SOMA’s 6th and 7th streets.

These lanterns celebrate the SOMA Filipino Cultural Heritage District and spotlight the weekly ‘Skybridge on Stevenson Outdoor Dance and Music Festival’ that is taking place every Thursday through November 18.

The installation is the result of an extensive outreach process led by SF Parks Alliance in partnership with community members, the 500 Block Safety Group, 5th Street community, Zendesk, Bayanihan Center, 6th Street residents, SOMA Pilipinas, Mid Market Community Benefit District and the branding firm Plinth. Design studio COZO collaborated with the local Filipino Cultural Heritage District to bring a symbol of Filipino identity to life on mid-market.

Inspiration for the design was taken from the Filipino flag’s sun symbol, which represents liberty, the 8 provinces that originally revolted against Spain, and three stars that signify the large islands of the Philippines – Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The light installation was managed by SF Parks Alliance with funding and support from SFMTA, OEWD, Mid Market CBD and Zendesk, and marked a significant milestone in the ‘Skybridge on Stevenson’ revitalization project.

“We are so excited to celebrate the unveiling of the SOMA Pilipinas-inspired lanterns on Stevenson alley as a great, new, beautiful, and permanent artistic lighting [addition] in the Filipino Cultural Heritage District,” said Executive Director of SOMA Pilipinas Raquel Redondiez. “This unveiling is a great way to finish off Filipino American History Month and a great way to kick off the holidays and countdown to the Parol- Philippine Lantern Festival in December!”

In its second year, the ‘Skybridge on Stevenson Music and Dance Festival’ is part of a community-led effort to revitalize the 500 block of Stevenson Street into a vibrant hub of arts, commerce, and activity. Produced by SF Parks Alliance, Creative Grounds Production Group, Tiny Box Theater, and community members on the block, these weekly events offer safe, outdoor space for local mid-market residents to gather and experience the inspirational work of San Francisco’s talented performing arts community.

“This beautiful light installation and the vibrant cultural events that happen below them is the result of a heroic effort by the community. It is incredible what tenacious and collaborative communities can do,” said Senior Project Manager at SF Parks Alliance Susanna Fraker.

Skybridge on Stevenson events will run every Thursday through November 18.

Skybridge on Stevenson: Outdoor Dance and Music Festival Lights Celebration
November 4, 2021
Stevenson Street (between 6th & 7th streets), San Francisco, CA
FREE

Performances by:
● Shamilah Ivory & The Josh Jones Funk & Soul Explosion
● Giulio Cetto ‘ The Jazz Thug’ and Friends
● Aerialist Joey ‘The Tiger’
● Kariktan Dance Company

Featuring:
● Pieces of Beats: 1:1 Dance Battle
● DJ OuiBoogie: Dance Party
● Live street art by First Amendment (1AM)
● Shine On SF

Food and Drink by:
● Montesacro
● Modena Pizza and Ice Cream
● Lady Victory Mobile Bar
● Barya Kitchen

 

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