Lola38, a creative placemaking project in West Philadelphia, is seeking artists to design and create art installations at the former United Bank building and the fence around the site of the demolished University City High School in an effort to beautify neighborhoods surrounding Lower Lancaster Avenue.

On March 30, these artists will pitch their ideas to neighbors, some of which are fellow artists and curators themselves. The five-minute-presentations, which will begin at 6 p.m. at the former bank (3750 Lancaster Ave) will be done in the style of PechaKucha, a Japanese method in which 20 slides are displayed for 20 seconds each. In addition to arguing why their work should be chosen, artists are also encouraged to respond to one of the following three questions: “How does progress feel?“, “Which walls are invisible?“, and “Is there a good rate of change?” 

Both sites are slated for re-development. University City High School, along 36th Street between Filbert and Warren, was demolished in September 2015, and the site is part of the uCity Square development project. Plans were also revealed to redevelop the former United Bank building, with the participation of the community.

Interested artists should visit Lola38’s website for more information and apply by March 22. Interested attendees should RSVP through Eventbrite. Art will be on display during Spring and Summer 2017.

– Danielle Corcione