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.
Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA., January 13, 2025 – ArtsQuest is thrilled to announce its next major milestone in the Re-Imagine! That Capital Campaign. The PPL Foundation has been designated as the official naming sponsor of the former Banana Factory, now officially named the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL (paying homage to the original Banana Factory name).
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 this afternoon at the 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 throughout our diverse communities 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. To date, $25.73 million has been raised toward the new building with an estimated cost of $32 million. To learn more, visit artsquest.org.
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 ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL; 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 percent 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
