ArtPhilly has announced the inaugural edition of its city-wide festival, "What Now: 2026," scheduled to open on May 27, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States. The five-week event will feature over 30 newly commissioned projects by Philadelphia-based artists, including performances, installations, and podcasts, staged across festival districts in public spaces and institutions. The festival is led by Creative and Executive Director Bill Adair and Curatorial and Deputy Director Tania Isaac, with a curatorial committee of 17 local curators selecting works that explore the nation's past, present, and future.
The festival matters because it positions artists and community at the center of a national conversation during a major historical milestone, reaffirming Philadelphia's role as a vibrant hub for arts and culture. By commissioning local artists to interpret the complexities of the country's 250th anniversary, ArtPhilly aims to spark urgent dialogue about the future of the United States while highlighting the importance of creativity and communal spirit in shaping civic identity.