Da Vinci Fest Live may be an inaugural event for the Da Vinci Art Alliance (DVAA), but the nonprofit has a history in South Philadelphia. “For 88 years, our organization has focused really insularly, we’ve been really focused on just our artist members (but) that work has really grown over the last couple of years,” said Jarrod Markman, executive director of DVAA.

The nonprofit was formed by a group of Italian immigrants who wanted to create art together. Now, the organization has a growing number of artists all from the Philadelphia area. “All of our members are a part of the organization and in this festival, all are local artists. We’re very proud to support all local artists through their career and through exhibition opportunities,” said Markman.