The SouthSide Arts District in Bethlehem is pushing art to the edge—that is, the edge of the city.
The district describes what it has done as a "Gateway sign"—"a vivid public art installation that enhances the gateway between Route 412 and SouthSide downtown"—in collaboration with the city and Wawa businesses.
.png)
Convenience store and gas station operator Wawa, located on the East Coast, has built a new project site at its new location at 770 Hellertown Road in Bethlehem.
Artists are encouraged to submit proposals for the artwork to SouthSide Arts District. September 30th is the deadline. The chosen artist is anticipated to be revealed on October 28. The installation and unveiling are scheduled for the spring of 2025. As a component of the SouthSide Arts District, images from the sculpture may also be used in promotional materials for the City of Bethlehem. $10,000 will be awarded to the chosen artist or artist collective to help with the cost of materials, insurance, and permits required for the project (building, materials, etc.). A $10,000 payment will also be made after the item is installed and finished.
The artist will construct the piece of art off-site, transport it, and then install it on the concrete pad. According to the proposal, the city will work with the artist as a partner "to provide aid, direction, and supervise the execution of the project to guarantee it is completed," in addition to handling the necessary permits and related expenditures.
The South Side Arts District, the heart of South Bethlehem's downtown, was legally established in 2015.
The district's mission is to "develop and preserve the Downtown district's lively and artistic physical assets." The application form states that providing fresh and avant-garde public art to South Bethlehem is one approach to accomplishing this goal.
A number of years ago, Bethlehem finished a thorough "wayfinding" program that included directions for cars and pedestrians as well as a strategy for "suitable entrance signpost positions." According to the application, "South Bethlehem and the SouthSide Arts District are accessible via the Route 412 corridor." "This project will involve the submission and consideration of artist proposals for gateway signs at the southern end of the Wawa area, in keeping with the Arts District's purpose of public art. "Take advantage of this opportunity to show off your skills and improve our community!"
The proposal states that the sign will be "easily viewable as an entryway sign," be installed on a 10-by-15-foot concrete platform, and not be taller than six feet. According to the project description, "the goal is to improve the gateway between the South Side downtown and the Route 412 area."
According to the statement, planned or previously built public art initiatives have the following effects:
Provide a welcoming, eye-catching, low-maintenance entrance point for south Bethlehem.
Encourage locals and visitors to explore the area
Boost pride in the community
Amplify south Bethlehem's reputation as our region's top arts district
Artists are requested to submit their work for review at:
Five pictures from your earlier creations (acceptable file types: PNG, JPG, TIFF, and PDF)
Original design drawing or conceptual design proposal
Artist Statement (no more than 200 words)
A thorough budget and list of required materials
The project's anticipated installation timeframe
A comprehensive strategy for the finished work's long-term preservation
A four-person panel consisting of the landowner, a representative from Wawa, a representative from the Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission, and a competent representative of South Bethlehem will assess all applications and designs.
Based on a suggested subject, originality, inventiveness, artistic merit, utility, relevance to the installation site, public safety, durability in an outdoor environment, maintenance, and related project expenses, the panel will ultimately choose the artist.
Click Here to View Real Estate Properties for Sale in Bethlehem