34th Street Magazine

34th Street Magazine is a weekly student-run publication at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on arts, culture, and campus life. Founded in 1973, it operates as part of the The Daily Pennsylvanian, Inc., the independent nonprofit that also publishes The Daily Pennsylvanian. The magazine is known for its critical coverage of Philadelphia's vibrant cultural scene, including music, film, theater, and dining, alongside in-depth features and profiles of notable figures within the University of Pennsylvania community and beyond.

History

The magazine was established in 1973 as a supplement to The Daily Pennsylvanian, evolving from earlier arts-focused publications at the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, it expanded its scope to more critically engage with the burgeoning arts landscape in West Philadelphia and Center City. Key moments in its development include pioneering coverage of the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts and the local indie music scene anchored by venues like The Trocadero Theatre and World Cafe Live. Its editorial independence, maintained through its parent organization The Daily Pennsylvanian, Inc., has allowed it to navigate shifts in student life and media consumption, from print-centric beginnings to a modern integrated digital presence.

Content and sections

Each issue typically features long-form narrative journalism, critical reviews, and shorter front-of-book sections. Regular coverage includes "Earworthy" for music reviews of artists performing at venues like The Mann Center or Union Transfer, and "Screen Time" for analysis of films featured at the Philadelphia Film Festival. The "Dining Guide" section provides critiques of restaurants across neighborhoods such as University City and Rittenhouse Square. Other staples are interviews with visiting speakers and performers, such as those hosted by the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts or the Kelly Writers House, and satirical commentary on campus events. The magazine also produces special issues, including annual guides to the Philadelphia Fringe Festival and graduation editions.

Staff and contributors

The publication is managed entirely by undergraduate students at the University of Pennsylvania, with editorial positions including Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, and section editors for Arts, Culture, and Style. Staff members often hail from diverse academic backgrounds within the university, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the Annenberg School for Communication, and the Wharton School. Notable alumni have pursued careers in journalism at outlets like The New York Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer, in publishing at Condé Nast, and in creative fields at organizations such as Pitchfork Media and The Second City. The magazine occasionally features contributions from University of Pennsylvania faculty and Philadelphia-based critics.

Distribution and readership

The print edition is distributed weekly across the University of Pennsylvania campus, including high-traffic locations like Huntsman Hall, Van Pelt Library, and Houston Hall. Copies are also available at select off-campus locations in West Philadelphia and Center City. Its primary readership consists of University of Pennsylvania students, faculty, and staff, as well as residents of surrounding Philadelphia communities interested in local arts coverage. The digital edition, hosted alongside The Daily Pennsylvanian, extends its reach to alumni and a broader audience following Philadelphia cultural news.

Cultural impact and recognition

The magazine is regarded as an essential voice for critiquing and documenting the cultural life of University of Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. It has served as a training ground for aspiring journalists and critics, many of whom have received awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Associated Collegiate Press. Its reviews and features are frequently cited in discussions of local arts programming, influencing student attendance at events at the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. The publication's long-standing presence contributes to the ecosystem of independent student media within the Ivy League and the broader Philadelphia media landscape, which includes outlets like Philadelphia Magazine and WXPN.

Category:Student magazines published in the United States Category:Publications established in 1973 Category:University of Pennsylvania Category:Culture of Philadelphia Category:1973 establishments in Pennsylvania