The Viaduct RailPark is coming soon, which will transform sections of the long-abandoned stretch of rail line that runs through the Chinatown and Callowhill neighborhoods into a "grittier take on NYC's High Line." Construction is still slated to begin later this year, but starting right now, you and yours can get involved in the Viaduct's metamorphosis, through a call for submissions for art installations that will adorn several locations of the public space.
The competition is via a collaboration between the City of Philadelphia's Percent for Art Program, the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE), the Center City District (CCD), Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR), and the Friends of the Rail Park. As part of the $9.6 million Phase I renovation of the Viaduct RailPark, $33,000 will be " going toward making the space inviting and beautiful."
There are four potential sites for this commission, three of which are at entry points of the park:
· The at-grade entrance at Noble and Broad Streets;
· The proposed stairwell at the lower 13th Street bridge;
· The proposed stairwell at the terminus of the park at Callowhill Street;
· The embanked area of the east side of 13th street to the west side of 12th Street.
You can download the submission guidelines and application here (PDF!). The deadline is September 23rd, and the competition is open to artists and artist-teams who reside in the United States.
· The Viaduct RailPark is coming — artists will compete to make it beautiful [Generocity]
· Call to Artists/Request for Qualifications Viaduct RailPark [PDF!]
· Curbed Philly Reading Viaduct coverage