By Bryn E. Keeney, Public Relations Coordinator

As we make way for the new, state-of-the-art Cultural Center to be completed in 2026, ArtsQuest’s visual arts and education programming will continue as planned, thanks to the generosity of community partners.

After two decades of continuous growth, the Banana Factory has fallen into a state of disrepair that is not economically feasible to update and modernize nor does it have the vital space needed to offer new and expanded arts and educational programming. The new Cultural Center will be a visual arts and educational hub for all ages that will feature more space to include a new comedy theater, digital production lab and recording studio along with added classroom and exhibition spaces to expand ArtsQuest’s existing programs.

“We are grateful to our community partners who have made space available for us to run visual arts classes and camps as well as educational programs during construction,” says ArtsQuest Senior Director of Visual Arts and Education, Lisa Harms. “Presently, our community partners include Bethlehem Area School District, Moravian University and the Bethlehem Area Public Library. ArtsQuest works with these partners throughout the year on a variety of visual arts and education programs and are very excited to have the opportunity to host classes and camps at their locations. Additionally, we will be working with K-12 schools from across the Lehigh Valley to offer arts education programs for students including afterschool enrichment, visiting artist residencies, masterclasses with performers and artist workshops and demonstrations. Additional community partners will be coming on board in early 2025 so stay tuned.”

Programming not taking place at the previously mentioned community partner’s locations will be held at the Visitor’s Center at SteelStacks and the ArtsQuest Center during the construction.

Q&A with Lisa Harms

ArtsQuest: What does the new Cultural Center mean for programming expansion? Is there going to be new programming that will be available at the new building and what will that look like?

Lisa Harms: The current Banana Factory is currently out of space to meet the needs of our community. The new Cultural Center will feature more space to expand our existing programs such as summer camps and afterschool art enrichment classes. We will have more classrooms, more artist studios, expanded space for ceramics, hot glass and galleries and more spaces for the community to convene.

Additionally, we will have space to offer new programs and events such as the comedy theater and recording studio. New exhibits that highlight visual arts mediums such as murals, sculpture and digital art are also planned for the new building. We also plan to offer space for our existing festivals such as Musikfest, Sabor Latin Festival and the Improv Comedy Festival.

AQ: How are the teaching and resident artists affected during construction of the new Cultural Center?

LH: We are excited to be able to continue to offer opportunities for artists to exhibit, teach and sell their work with us during construction. Though we will temporarily not have studio spaces available, we will continue to employ artists to run classes, camps, residencies and educational programs,” explains Harms. “We will also be collaborating with partners to offer spaces for artists to exhibit and sell their artwork. The new Cultural Center will feature 20% more artist studios available at subsidized rates for artists.

AQ: The Banana Factory currently welcomes thousands of students annually to campus to work with artists, enjoy gallery tours and engage in unique programs. What can these students and teaching authorities expect field trips to look like during this time?

LH: We are very excited to offer an expanded field trip program at SteelStacks during the construction of the new Cultural Center. Field trips are available for students of all ages, additionally we offer group visits for individuals of all ages and abilities. Activities include guided tours of public works of art on our campus, guided exhibitions tours in the ArtsQuest Center, artist talks in the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema, artmaking with professional Teaching Artists in the Visitor’s Center, Art Scavenger Hunts, and more!

AQ: What accessibility efforts will be a part of the new building?

LH: We are thrilled to be expanding our popular Sensory Spaces in the new Cultural Center. This space features artwork that was commissioned specifically for individuals that benefit from a hands-on approach to experiencing art. Multiple pieces by Fiber artist Mallory Zondag will be featured and they are meant to be touched, worn and manipulated. The spaces will also feature musical instruments, dimmed lighting and interactive stations that invite experimentation. We are excited to be developing both quiet and non-quiet sensory spaces in the new building. The Touch Collection will also be featured as part of our All ACCESSible program, which will be offered at the Visitor’s Center during construction.

Additional features:

• Accessible entrances equipped with ramps and automatic doors alongside elevators for seamless navigation across all five floors.
• Ample room for wheelchair maneuverability with clear signage and tactile indicators aiding orientation.
• Restrooms accommodate diverse needs, featuring spacious stalls with grab bars and accessible sinks. 
• Designated accessible parking spaces conveniently located near entrances, complemented by level pathways throughout exterior grounds. 
• The Cultural Center will foster an environment where everyone can participate in and enjoy its vibrant cultural experiences and offerings. 

The new Cultural Center will provide access to the arts for all. Cultural Center spaces will be free and open to the public seven days a week for the community to enjoy our exhibitions, meet artists in their studios and meet up with friends. We also offer financial assistance for all our tuition classes and camps for youth and adults. We are excited to collaborate with community partners on developing new programs and events that serve the needs of the community including special exhibitions, artist workshops and professional development.