Additional naming of the Bethlehem Visitor Center presented by LVHN, along with the current Levitt Pavilion presented by LVHN solidify an extended long-term commitment and partnership for the region.

Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., November 6, 2024 –Today, ArtsQuest celebrates a milestone in the Re-Imagine! That Capital Campaign. Lehigh Valley Health Network, now proudly part of Jefferson Health, has been designated as the Official Health Care Partner of the ArtsQuest SteelStacks Campus, naming partner of the Turn & Grind Redevelopment Project and Presenter of the Bethlehem Visitor Center. The LVHN Turn & Grind Shop, the Bethlehem Visitor Center presented by LVHN and the already named Levitt Pavilion presented by LVHN solidify a dedicated, long-term commitment and partnership between both organizations spanning over 23 years.

“LVHN has played a pivotal role in ArtsQuest’s mission of providing access to the arts for all, nourishing our community through the arts,” says Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO. “LVHN has been visible in all aspects of programming that we present – as a healthcare partner at Musikfest since 2002; as a presenting sponsor of the Levitt Pavilion where free concerts and kids’ movies take place all summer long; supporting the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas sensory friendly movies; helping to provide visual arts programming at the Banana Factory; as a sponsor of SoccerFest promoting sports and fitness; and so many more initiatives involving the health and wellness of our communities. This partnership represents a lasting commitment to not only ArtsQuest, but also to the communities we serve and the entire region here in Pennsylvania.”

“This is particularly meaningful to me because it is the first new community partnership we announced since Jefferson and LVHN combined in August,” says Joseph Cacchione, MD, Jefferson’s CEO. “I’m very proud to be a part of this community, and I’m excited for the future of health care in this region and to furthering the artistic and cultural opportunities available. We’re establishing a personal connection and creating healthier communities, which is the lifeblood of what Jefferson and LVHN do.”

The Turn & Grind Shop, a 150-year-old building that was once a key part of the steel-making process at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, will undergo extensive renovations prior to its grand opening in 2027. It will expand the footprint for ArtsQuest programming such as Musikfest, Christkindlmarkt and Oktoberfest and provide unique and much-needed event space for private and corporate needs as well as an additional home for traveling exhibits. The new LVHN Turn & Grind renovation and partnership with LVHN is another exciting expansion of ArtsQuest’s mission and plays a pivotal role, making an economic and social impact for years to come.

The heavily trafficked Bethlehem Visitor Center is the oldest building on the former Bethlehem Steel site, pre-dating the iconic blast furnaces. The new Bethlehem Visitor Center presented by LVHN will allow thoughtful and creative programming on the first floor and complement its retail presence and campus tours.

“The combination of two top systems in the U.S. – one in health care and the other a robust arts and cultural landscape – will make a transformational impact that will be far reaching,” commented Gregg Feinberg, Co-Chair of the Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign and Trustee Emeritus.

“As the leading health care provider for our region, this expanded partnership is evidence of our increasing commitment to the Lehigh Valley and of our unwavering support for the efforts that take place in this culturally rich community,” says Rich Levy, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at LVHN. “We aim to continue to support the health-arts connection that benefits not just our patients, but the entire community.”

The announcement was made during a media event held in the Musikfest Café at the ArtsQuest Center followed by a virtual tour of the completed Turn & Grind Shop and small group tours of both the Visitor Center and the Turn & Grind as it is today.

About ArtsQuest

ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which nearly 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Bryn Keeney