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Bethlehem News

ArtsQuest beaming as it marks ‘another exciting milestone’ for new cultural center

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — After more than two decades of arts and educational programming in South Bethlehem, replacing the beloved Banana Factory with something bigger and better would seem to be a tall order.

But the community and public sector collaboration in making such a facility come to life — that’s the easy part for Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley, regional officials said Thursday.

ArtsQuest, the nonprofit behind Musikfest, welcomed community supporters and donors to sign on to the movement, taking a permanent marker to a ceremonial beam — all in the shadow of what will later be a new five-story, 78,500-square-foot facility with 36 artist studios and plenty more.

'Inspire creativity, foster learning and bring people together'

Curt Mosel, ArtsQuest chief operating officer, called the occasion “another exciting milestone” for the incoming ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, expected to open late next year at 25 W. Third St.

“It’s a celebration and vision behind it — one built on creativity, education and community impact,” Mosel said.

ArtsQuest CEO Kassie Hilgert said, “I’m amazed by this community every day.”

In December 2023, the new cultural arts center was projected to cost $23 million. That figure has since increased to $26 million and is now up to $32 million.

Greg Feinberg, co-chair of the cultural center's associated Re-Imagine That! capital campaign, said the project shows how when the community bands together, it’s apt to be “resourceful, innovative.”

“I’m amazed by this community every day.”
ArtsQuest CEO Kassie Hilgert

Feinberg even said crushed bricks and masonry from the old Banana Factory were used in the foundation for the new space.

The community “believe[s] in investing in spaces that will inspire creativity, foster learning and bring people together for generations to come,” he said.

“Not long ago, this was all just a vision on paper,” Feinberg said. “I remember many years ago sitting with [ArtsQuest founder] Jeff Parks and putting this on the back of a napkin — what can happen here, what can happen down the street.

“And all of that is coming to fruition now.”

ArtsQuest also operates its ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks less than a mile to the east, where it hosts concerts, films and more.

Re-Imagine That! began to transform South Bethlehem and expand regional access to the arts region, according to its website.

Senator: Arts a 'driving force' regionally

PPL Foundation President Lissette Santana said, “The Creative Factory truly embodies innovation and collaboration — values that drive both of our organizations."

“We can’t wait to see the energy and creativity that fill these walls once the doors are open,” she said.

State Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Lehigh/Northampton, said the arts are “now the driving force of meaningful economic growth” in the region.

So the new Banana Factory replacement will be “another crown jewel for the region, fueled by our collective investment in creativity and art.”

“We can’t wait to see the energy and creativity that fill these walls once the doors are open."
PPL Foundation President Lissette Santana

“Although I’ve been born and raised in this beautiful city, we recognize in Harrisburg how important the arts are here to Bethlehem’s economy,” Boscola said.

“Harrisburg invested in this project because ArtsQuest delivers on its promises — and this project is no exception.”

Boscola said the Banana Factory replacement had bipartisan support in Harrisburg and received $9 million in financial assistance for the build.

Other donors included numerous community members, as well as Northampton County, Air Products and Crayola, among others.