ArtsQuest, with its 35-year track record of dynamic growth and innovative arts programming, is about to embark on its largest initiative yet, a capital campaign to continue the transformation of Bethlehem’s SouthSide and greatly enhance access to the arts in our region through new and expanded programming. When complete, this ambitious fundraising effort will have a profound effect on the Lehigh Valley, deepening ArtsQuest’s mission of attracting visitors, artists, businesses and the creative class to the city and the region.
ArtsQuest is an organization we have supported, volunteered for and invested in for many years. So, it was with great enthusiasm that we agreed to serve as Campaign Co-Chairs for the most important fundraising effort in the organization’s history.
Very simply, the ArtsQuest Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign features four distinct components that will support ArtsQuest’s mission of strengthening access to arts, culture and educational programs. Funds raised through the campaign will go toward:
It was an important but easy decision for us to join the ArtsQuest Capital Campaign. The entire organization, including its 1,200 visual and performing artists, 2,000 volunteers, 3,500 ArtsQuest Members, 305 corporate and community partners and 200 full- and part-time staff are committed to making this campaign a success. Over the following pages you’ll discover why we support ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Campaign and we sincerely hope you will be a key part of it as well.
Gregg and Cindy Feinberg
Re-Imagine That! Campaign Co-Chairs
In 2011, ArtsQuest concluded the organization’s latest Capital Campaign. With support from individuals, foundations, government agencies and corporations, we raised and financed $26 million to realize the vision of the ArtsQuest Center and SteelStacks arts campus.
Only seven years later, this former steel site, which was once listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of Most Endangered Historic Places, has been the recipient of both the Urban Land Institute Global Award for Excellence and the Rudy Bruner Gold Medal Award for Urban Excellence for the highest levels of urban restoration and conservation. Only three cities in the nation share the distinction of having won both prestigious awards: Boston, San Francisco and Bethlehem. Imagine that.
Our mission is to provide unique arts and cultural experiences in a way that drives economic development in urban areas, but it’s a mission we cannot achieve alone. ArtsQuest and the entire Lehigh Valley have a bright future, and I look forward to creating and strengthening partnerships that drive us toward sustainable growth while delivering exceptional programs and experiences for our residents and our region.
“Our mission is to provide unique arts
and cultural experiences in a way
that drives economic development
in urban areas.”
Today, ArtsQuest serves approximately two million people annually, hosting visitors from 40-plus states and more than 10 countries each year. ArtsQuest’s economic impact to the community grew from $87 million in 2013 to $145 million in 2017. But, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Year-in and year-out, we hire more than 1,200 artists, performers and educators, and we present nearly 4,000 concerts, classes, camps and events with 40 percent of that offered FREE to the public. Together, we work with more than 200 corporate partners; 100 nonprofit, arts and community partners; 2,000 volunteers; 3,500 supporting members; and an amazing and talented staff. This is the ArtsQuest Family and we want you to be part of what’s next and help us Re-Imagine That!
Kassie Hilgert
ArtsQuest President & CEO
Free Programs
Total Youth Served through Education
Teaching Artists Employed
Performing Artists Booked
Artists Displayed in Exhibitions Per Year
ArtsQuest is a strategic partner in the Bethlehem Area School District’s academic programs. Its programs and teaching artists work with BASD teachers and students to provide important afterschool programming, enrich summer learning options and enhance core instruction. Students gain authentic experiences in the arts, careers and community service through this BASD-ArtsQuest Partnership. The school district is very fortunate to have ArtsQuest as a skilled and dedicated partner in developing both the children and culture of Bethlehem.
Dr. Jack Silva, Bethlehem Area School District Assistant Superintendent for Education/Chief Academic Officer
Your willingness to help our youth is both commended and appreciated. Contributions, like yours, help to allow us to provide Afterschool programs that benefit our children tremendously. Because of this, we can work to enable all of these young people to become responsible, caring, and productive citizens in our community. The kids loved the program!
Winston C. Alozie, Afterschool Coordinator, Broughal Middle School