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Today, VISIT PHILADELPHIA® and Mural Arts Philadelphia announced Electric Philadelphia, a major new work of public art that will serve as a gateway to Philadelphia’s Historic District. The 8,500-square-foot artwork adjacent to Franklin Square will fill the 6th Street Bridge underpass under the Ben Franklin Bridge with color by day and illuminate the space linking Old City with the booming, formerly-industrial neighborhoods to the north by night. The concept and design of the work—which is slated to be complete by summer 2019—is by artist David Guinn. Lighting design will be completed by Drew Billiau. Both are Philly-based.
“The public artwork is a legacy project for our Philadelphia’s Historic District campaign,” VISIT PHILADELPHIA President and CEO Jeff Guaracino said. “Public art connects the city and attracts visitors by turning infrastructure into beautiful streetscapes that invite people to see and do more while here. This mural joins the many amazing art and lighting projects that connect neighborhoods all over Philly—from Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk to the Race Street and Spring Garden Street underpasses.”
“Mural Arts Philadelphia loves to bring partners together to create community impact,” Mural Arts Philadelphia Executive Director Jane Golden said, “and we are so pleased to help create a new, vibrant gateway to Philadelphia’s Historic District that will bring beauty as well as safety to this pedestrian, bike, and car thoroughfare.”
The Historic District campaign, which aimed to showcase the history and present-day vitality of Old City, Society Hill and the Delaware River Waterfront, ran from summer 2015 to September 2018 and was funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development and the late H.F. (Gerry) Lenfest.
“The site presented an amazing opportunity to me to represent the overlap of tremendous history with the energetic forward-looking Philadelphia of today,” said Guinn, the mural’s creator. “Neon-like LED lights integrated into the mural will transform the underpass into a beacon attracting visitors from all directions and boldly proclaim the city’s industriousness and creativity, both past and present.”
The mural is supported by VISIT PHILADELPHIA, Mural Arts Philadelphia, AP Construction and Historic Philadelphia, Inc., in partnership with PennDOT.
About the Artist and the Lighting Designer:
Guinn, a graduate of Columbia University, was originally trained to be an architect. Since 1998, Guinn has painted more than 35 murals throughout Philadelphia and other cities worldwide, including Amman, Jordan; Montreal, Quebec; New York; Washington, DC and Chicago. His work has been noted in media outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post and Spin magazine.
Billiau works as a freelance lighting designer in Philadelphia. He has designed numerous shows for Opera Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ballet, the Wilma Theater, BalletX, the Arden Theatre, Theatre Exile, Lantern Theater and others. Billiau is currently the resident lighting designer/production manager for BalletX, the technical production manager at Opera Philadelphia and an associate designer with Fine Design Associates, Inc.
Mural Arts Philadelphia is the nation’s largest public art program, dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For over 30 years, Mural Arts has united artists and communities through a collaborative and equitable process, creating nearly 4,000 artworks that have transformed public spaces and individual lives. Mural Arts aims to empower people, stimulate dialogue, and build bridges to understanding with projects that attract artists from Philadelphia and around the world, and programs that focus on youth education, restorative justice, mental health and wellness, and public art and its preservation. Popular mural tours offer a firsthand glimpse into the inspiring stories behind Mural Arts’ iconic and unparalleled collection, which has earned Philadelphia worldwide recognition as the “City of Murals.” For more information, call (215) 685-0750 or visit muralarts.org. Follow us on social media: @muralarts on Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, MuralArtsPhiladelphia on Facebook, and phillymuralarts on YouTube.
Franklin Square is an initiative of Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (HPI). HPI makes our nation’s history relevant and real through interpretation, interaction, and education, strengthening Greater Philadelphia’s role as the destination to experience American history. Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s programs include the Betsy Ross House, Once Upon A Nation storytelling and immersive walking tours, and Franklin Square. For all Historic Philadelphia, Inc. event information, call (215) 629-4026, (877) 462-1776, or visit historicphiladelphia.org to buy tickets online. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Independence Visitor Center (599 Market Street), the Betsy Ross House (239 Arch Street), or Franklin Square (6th and Race streets). Follow HPI at twitter.com/HistoricPhilly and twitter.com/FranklinSqr, on Facebook at facebook.com/HistoricPhila or facebook.com/FranklinSquare, or on Instagram at instagram.com/historicphilly or instagram.com/franklinsquarephilly.
VISIT PHILADELPHIA® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.
On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.