The Fairmount Park Art Association is a 2008 recipient of an Interpretation/Planning grant from the Heritage Philadelphia Program (HPP), funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and administered by the University of the Arts. The Art Association will receive $96,612 to develop a plan for an interactive audio tour of public sculptures in Philadelphia.

The Art Association worked with the Center City District to develop the content and design guidelines for a sculpture signage system

The project was inspired by the idea that there is a unique story, civic effort, and creative expression behind every public sculpture in Philadelphia – and that an ideal way to tell each story is “on the street,” in the environment and context of city life. In order to tell these stories, the Art Association will convene a team of experts in audio production, folklore, social history, and documentary studies to create “audio labels” that will expand upon traditional narratives and formats to tell the social history and unique stories behind the public artworks. The goal is to develop an audio experience that is commensurate with the quality of the artworks, as well as accessible to a wide audience.

The Art Association worked with the Center City District to develop the content and design guidelines for a sculpture signage system that will create the “armature” for the delivery of the audio program. The Art Association will collaborate with the Fairmount Park Commission in the planning process for the audio program.

The Heritage Philadelphia Program (HPP) is located at the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Heritage, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and administered by the University of the Arts. HPP supports history exhibits and public programs and the preservation and public interpretation of significant historic buildings in the region.