Art In City Hall - Mission & History
Mission Statement
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The Art In City Hall program presents exhibitions that showcase contemporary artwork by professional and emerging Philadelphia visual artists. |
| Encompassing a variety of media, techniques, and subjects, this municipal program is committed to presenting a diversity of ideas and artistic explorations. The program strives to link visual artists with the larger community by providing the public with a greater knowledge and appreciation of their artistic achievements. | |
"Liberty Belle" part of a student exhibition by Cheyney University Art Honor Society (located at NE corner stairwell), 2005.
"Art Ability," art by artists with disabilities by Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital (located on the fifth floor north corridor), 2007.
"Art Blooms in City Hall" 2007 benefit gala in Conversation Hall and the Mayor's Reception Room. (From left: Anthony and Kathryn Sirico, Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter, Joan Specter, Dr. Russell Raphaely, AICH Chair Marianne Raphaely, and Christopher Raphaely, Esq.
Program History
Art At the Heart of the City
The original Art In City Hall program was begun in 1984 under the auspices of former Councilwoman Joan Specter. The project was organized and facilitated by Ms. Specter, City Representative Dianne L. Semingson and Deputy City Representative for Arts and Culture, Oliver Franklin, OBE. Thirteen large display cases were built and installed in City Hall to showcase the work of professional Philadelphia artists. The project demonstrated the viability of City Hall as a venue for such activities and received high praise from City visitors as well as residents.
The program was halted in 1989 due to a lack of funding. In early 1992, newly elected Mayor Edward G. Rendell, committed to revitalizing City Hall and making it a focal point in the revival of Center City, Philadelphia as a lively inviting place to experience the cultural richness of Philadelphia, gathered a volunteer Board of Directors and Art Advisory Council dedicated to the restoration of the Art In City Hall exhibition program.
From 1984 to 2008, Art In City Hall has presented 57 group exhibitions in its professional series, providing exhibition opportunities to approximately 2000 professional artists living in the Philadelphia area. The display cases are located on the second and fourth floors of City Hall near the Office of the Mayor and City Council Chambers.
Art In the Context of Community
In an effort to expand and better reflect the wealth of artistic talent in Philadelphia, in 2003, the Office of Arts and Culture and the Advisory Council expanded Art In City Hall to give exhibition opportunities to Philadelphia's public schools, other city departments and agencies, and the private and nonprofit community. Currently, these community-minded exhibitions are located on the fourth and fifth floors near the offices of City Council members and other administrative and judicial offices. These professional and nonprofessional exhibitons have shown the creative talents of thousands of School District children, countless city employees, seniors, and community art centers and programs that utilize art to improve the quality of life for all.
Some of the participating organizations may not necessarily be art institutions. To them, art becomes a powerful vehicle for education, for neighborhood transformation or other benefits to the community. Art can serve as a forum for civic engagement, for bringing people from all walks of life together. By recognizing many of these community organizations, including grassroots groups who may not have proper exhibition spaces, Art In City Hall recognizes the growing and evolving importance of art in our community.
The Next Chapter
In June of 2004, after the closure of the Office of Arts and Culture by the administration of Mayor John F. Street, Art In City Hall became part of the City of Philadelphia's Department of Public Property. Through the leadership of Commissioner Joan Schlotterbeck and new Advisory Council Chair Marianne C. Raphaely, the program flourished, expanding the number of exhibitons each year and updating the old display cases with new fabrications on the second floor. Other display cases on the fourth floor were refurbished. Funds were generated through two successful benefit galas chaired by Ms. Raphaely. The first honored Governor Rendell and Joan Specter for their contriubtions to the program. The second honored Irvin Borowsky and Laurie Wagman for their dedication to the arts in Philadelphia.
In 2008, newly elected Mayor Michael A. Nutter re-opened the Office of Arts and Culture and included in its title, the Creative Economy. Gary Steuer was named the City's Chief Cultural Officer. Mr. Steuer's appointment has brought excitement to Philadelphia's art and cultural institutions. For the first time, the arts community has an advocate in a cabinet level position.
Art In the Public Spaces of City Hall
Art In City Hall's future remains bright. The program continues to explore many possible locations in City Hall where art can be displayed. Areas for consideration include the first floor where art can be more accessible to visitors, the courtyard, stairwells, portal entrances and other floors. There are many challenges to creating viable spaces where art can be displayed, but through the joint efforts of many, Art In City Hall will continue to strive to be a reflection of Philadelphia's diverse arts community.