By ArtsQuest Staff 

In January, ArtsQuest announced the next major milestone in the Re-Imagine! That Capital Campaign. The PPL Foundation was designated as the official naming sponsor of the former Banana Factory, now officially named the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL. As the gateway to the SouthSide Arts District, this arts and cultural-based landmark will make a positive economic impact to communities of the Lehigh Valley while paying homage to its original name. The Banana Factory, which was the first brick and mortar of ArtsQuest was dedicated by Marlene “Linny” Fowler in 1998. Linny played a pivotal role in many aspects of the arts and education and was also a self-taught, stained-glass artist.   

PPL Foundation President Lissette O. Santana, the philanthropic private foundation funded by PPL Corporation, along with Kassie Hilgert, CEO, President of ArtsQuest; Mayor J. William Reynolds; Superintendent Jack Silva, Bethlehem Area School District; and Bob Begliomini, Incoming Vice Chair of ArtsQuest’s Board of Trustees made the announcement at a media event at the former Banana Factory’s Crayola Gallery.  

“PPL and The PPL Foundation have been key partners to ArtsQuest for over 27 years, playing a pivotal role in furthering our mission of providing access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences and programming for all,” said Kassie Hilgert, ArtsQuest President and CEO. “Our partnership began in 1997 with the original Banana Factory Capital Campaign and has continued over the years as sponsors of Musikfest, The Levitt Pavilion, The Musikfest Cafe and additional programming and events. Now, through generous and invaluable support, the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL will be a definitive gateway to Bethlehem’s SouthSide, bringing an economic boost to the Lehigh Valley with a projected impact of over 600 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions encompassing roles in both construction and ongoing arts programming. Additionally, the initiative is estimated to contribute $6.67 million in annual economic activity, alongside $46 million in economic impact from construction.  Beyond its economic influence, the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL will expand its footprint in the arts, fostering creativity and engagement across numerous communities throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and beyond.” 

“The PPL Foundation’s goal is to support nonprofit organizations that create vibrant, thriving communities,” commented Lisette O. Santana, PPL Foundation President. “We are thrilled that the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL will empower and embrace those connections in the arts, music and education for people throughout the Lehigh Valley for years to come.”  

The former home to ArtsQuest’s visual arts and education programming is slated to begin deconstruction during the first quarter of 2025 followed by a yearlong building construction phase. The ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a state-of-the-art visual, performing arts and education hub is expected to open in late 2026. The 5-story, 78,500 SF cultural center will offer new and expanded arts-based programming for all ages, a Communications Pathway partnership with the Bethlehem Area School District, Air Products Makerspace, official venue space for comedic performances and classes, additional artist studios, modern gallery space, food and beverage services, dedicated meeting and entertainment space and more.  

“The ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL will be an inviting building with free galleries and community spaces open to the public seven days a week and will include bilingual directional signage in Spanish,” continued Hilgert. “It will be ADA-accessible and built with more energy-efficient features and sustainable materials incorporated throughout.”   

The ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL will also include a 5,500 SF glass studio, 36 artist studios (a 20% increase), sinks in every classroom, dedicated outdoor space for even more programming, two elevators, security cameras and swipe access for designated areas and additional features. Scholarships and financial assistance will continue to be available for all tuition classes and camps.  

While the Banana Factory is now officially closed, visual arts and education classes and camps continue, thanks to our partners who will be host sites during construction of the new building.  To learn more and register, visit ArtsQuest.org/classes. Classes will be conveniently located throughout the Lehigh Valley including the Bethlehem Area Public Library, schools throughout the Bethlehem Area School District, Moravian University and more.