ArtPhilly is thrilled to announce the launch of its first-ever festival, set to begin on May 27, 2026, aligning with the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. The festival, titled ‘What Now: 2026’, will span five weeks and feature more than 30 projects crafted by local artists. These projects have been meticulously chosen by ArtPhilly’s curatorial team to enrich Philadelphia’s artistic essence and ignite crucial discussions about the nation’s future.
Highlighting Philadelphia as a dynamic hub for artists from various backgrounds and practices, the festival will reinforce the significance of creativity and community as integral to the city’s identity. Spearheaded by founder Katherine Sachs and Creative and Executive Director Bill Adair, ArtPhilly aims to honor Philadelphia’s artists and its communities, while delving into the city’s historical and cultural heritage. The festival’s diverse and multi-disciplinary projects will be curated for both public spaces and institutions, encouraging participation from a broad audience in engaging and unexpected ways.
ArtPhilly will transform various city districts into vibrant stages for performances and exhibitions, emphasizing the creative potential and collective spirit inherent in Philadelphia. Both emerging and established artists will contribute to a wide-ranging curatorial program that includes performances, installations, podcasts, and more. Under the leadership of Curatorial and Deputy Director Tania Isaac, a group of 17 curators based in and around Philadelphia have commissioned many of these works from local artists or those with ties to the city, reflecting Philadelphia’s local depth and global presence.
By highlighting Philadelphia as a distinguished arts and culture destination, ArtPhilly intends to show that artists are keen observers and interpreters of contemporary issues. Through the commissioning of artists to explore the nuances of the nation’s 250th anniversary, ‘What Now: 2026’ will place the spotlight on artists, communities, and arts organizations as central participants in an essential dialogue about the country’s past, present, and future. For more information, visit artphilly.org.
