CREATIVE PHILADELPHIA AND COUNCILMEMBER RUE LANDAU RE-OPEN ART GALLERY AT CITY HALL WITH EXHIBITION OF ART BY UARTS STUDENTS & FACULTY

A special exhibition giving home to the work of displaced UArts Students and Faculty is the first exhibition in the City Hall art gallery after its closure due to Covid-19 pandemic

PHILADELPHIA - Creative Philadelphia (formerly the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy) and Councilmember Rue Landau are excited to announce an upcoming exhibition reception titled Transcending Uncertainty: Art Endures at Home in Philadelphia, the first exhibition in the City Hall Art Gallery since the spring of 2020 when it closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The opening reception on December 18, 5-7 p.m. at City Hall will begin on the 5th floor, northeast corner.

The exhibition is a collaboration between Creative Philadelphia and Councilmember Landau to support students and faculty affected by the recent closure of the University of the Arts (UArts). The initiative received an outpouring of submissions from students and faculty eager to participate, reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of Philadelphia's creative voices.

"Transcending Uncertainty is about showing solidarity with the UArts community during a time of significant loss, and uplifting the important work of those impacted," said Chief Cultural Officer Val Gay. "The catalyst of this collaboration was losing yet another art space in Philadelphia. We felt it was important that for this exhibition, we reopen another space that has been closed for too long, the Art Gallery in City Hall."

"The closure of UArts is a significant loss for Philadelphia, but our local creative community is resilient," said Councilmember Landau, At-Large. "I'm honored to provide a space for these talented artists to display their work and remind them that Philadelphia values and celebrates their contributions."

The exhibit opened on November 27 and features the work of 42 former UArts students, faculty, and staff displayed on the first-floor art gallery within Creative Philadelphia-Room 116, and on the fifth-floor corridor near City Council offices.

Transcending Uncertainty builds on Landau's ongoing bimonthly gallery series, which highlights local artists in her office, and reflects her deep commitment to supporting Philadelphia's creative community. The exhibition was selected by artist Lauren Rinaldi, who also serves as Councilmember Landau's Arts and Culture Liaison.

Transcending Uncertainty features over 50 artworks representing a variety of artistic media. The exhibit is on view through January 25, 2025 during City Hall operating hours, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A special exhibition reception will be held on December 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. beginning on the 5th floor northeast corner of City Hall. Visitors should enter City Hall to sign-in at the NE Corner Visitor's Entrance.

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About Councilmember Rue Landau

Rue Landau, a civil rights attorney and first openly LGBTQ+ member of Philadelphia City Council, has spent her career fighting for social justice. Prior to being elected to office, she worked at Community Legal Service and directed the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and Fair Housing Commission. Since joining City Council, she has championed affordable housing, consumer protection, outdoor dining, and the city's arts and culture sectors.

About Creative Philadelphia

Creative Philadelphia (formerly the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy) provides creative and economic opportunities for all Philadelphians to thrive through the arts. We advance public access to arts and culture, collaborate with local creative communities, and celebrate the city's cultural assets, contributing to a safer, cleaner, and greener city. For more information, visit CreativePHL.org and follow @CreativePHL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.