Three renowned design teams were invited by the City of Philadelphia to develop conceptual plans for a major redesign of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Association for Public Art recently met with the teams to offer insights and discuss the Parkway’s future.

The Ellen Reid SOUNDWALK is a free sound installation tailor-made for Fairmount Park, running now through September 30th. We’ve rounded up a selection of outdoor sculptures within the SOUNDWALK audible range to enjoy during the immersive audio experience.

The long-awaited Maja Park on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is officially open to the public. The highlight of the park is the “Maja” (1942) sculpture by German artist Gerhard Marcks, which the Association recently restored and installed on the Parkway after decades in storage.

With the recent installation of Leigh’s Brick House on Penn’s campus, and Puryear’s Pavilion in the Trees (1993) in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia is home to permanent public works by both of these acclaimed artists.

Our conservation efforts involved a little bit of everything this year: laser treatments, power washing, new wood slats, fresh paint, the classic bronze waxing – even lipstick and gum removal. Each spring, the Association provides conservation treatment for 30+ artworks in Philadelphia and take on special projects as needed.

After a debut in Philadelphia and a stop in Baltimore, the Cai Guo-Qiang: Fireflies pedicabs covered in glowing lanterns are parading through South Florida’s first art and light exhibit, Illuminate Coral Gables.

It is with great sorrow that the Association for Public Art recognizes the passing of Charles E. Mather III, trustee, advocate, and supporter of our organization for decades.

As Chair of the City’s Public Art Advisory Committee, Penny Balkin Bach, the Executive Director of aPA, provided testimony in July in support of the Mayor’s proposal to remove the Columbus Monument from Marconi Plaza.

Presented simultaneously in 6 U.S. cities, including Philadelphia, Liberty Bell is an augmented reality drawing in 360 degrees that offers viewers the opportunity to consider their own experiences of liberty, freedom, and injustice and inequality. The artwork relies on geolocation and requires downloading a free app.

aPA Executive Director Penny Balkin Bach testified before Philadelphia City Council in response to a revised city budget that deals a devastating blow to arts and culture activities in the city.