| PHILADELPHIA – Today, the City of Philadelphia Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) will unveil the temporary 9-foot Harriet Tubman – The Journey to Freedom sculpture at City Hall and announce a series of celebration events. “It’s an honor to celebrate the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman here in Philadelphia,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Telling these stories through public art is vital for learning and reflection, connecting with our communities, and understanding our histories. I am particularly proud that the City of Philadelphia is hosting the temporary installation of Harriet Tubman on the North apron of City Hall while a monument to another important Black activist, Octavius Catto, lives on the South apron.” The sculpture unveiling program includes Mayor Jim Kenney and Kelly Lee, Chief Cultural Officer. Vocalist Valerie Gay will perform a musical tribute of Wade in the Water and Go Down Moses. Also in attendance will be sculptor Wesley Wofford, Wofford Sculpture Studio; Vanessa Garrett-Harley, First Deputy Managing Director; Kathryn Ott Lovell, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner; Marguerite Anglin, Public Art Director; partner cultural organizations; and many more. “Harriet Tubman’s legacy as an abolitionist, political activist, liberator, nurse, hero, and human rights advocate has made her an icon of courage and determination,” said Tumar Alexander, Managing Director. “These values are what we want represented when people visit City Hall. I hope the presence of this monument reminds Philadelphians of the importance of taking action to improve our communities and fosters a pride of place.” The City is hosting Harriet Tubman – The Journey to Freedom by sculptor Wesley Wofford, Wofford Sculpture Studio in Philadelphia from January 11 through March 31, 2022. Philadelphia will be home to the sculpture for Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Harriet Tubman’s 200th birthday. The traveling monument by Wesley Wofford represents Harriet Tubman’s courageous journey to free enslaved people and beautifully illustrates her determination despite the intense opposition she faced. The sculpture also includes the Pennsylvania state line and Philadelphia in the geographical shape of the base, and it is integral to the narrative of the overall composition. “I am honored that the City of Philadelphia is hosting my sculpture The Journey to Freedom,” said sculptor Wesley Wofford, Wofford Sculpture Studio. “Philadelphia holds a specific relevance to Harriet’s story as the city she found safe harbor in after her escape from Maryland, as well as staging many of her returning raids to free others from the bondage of slavery. To be able to help amplify Harriet Tubman’s heroism and determination in a world that desperately needs her ideals is one of the greatest honors of my life. The programming scheduled and organized by the OACCE is exemplary and further spreads Harriet’s positive message to a new audience. To have my work even briefly amongst the great historic sculptures that make up Philadelphia’s public art collection is a personal career highlight for me.” Harriet Tubman – The Journey to Freedom arrived in Philadelphia from Sylva, North Carolina as part of a traveling exhibition of the sculpture by Wofford Sculpture Studio. The sculpture has been previously hosted in Cape May, New Jersey; Havestraw, New York; and Halifax, North Carolina. When she leaves Philadelphia at the end of March, the sculpture will travel to White Plains, New York. Coinciding with the installation of the sculpture in Philadelphia, OACCE has announced a schedule of more than 30 programs in partnership with local cultural organizations that will celebrate the legacy of Harriet Tubman. These virtual and in-person programs will happen throughout Philadelphia and will reflect the themes of activism, role models, heroes, human rights, freedom, resilience, determination, contributions of strong women, equality, and more. Featured programs include a historical timeline exhibit of Harriet Tubman’s life and an exhibition of textile art at City Hall; screenings of the movie Harriet with introductions by local activists and community leaders; music, dance, and theater performances; a virtual conversation between notable local artists focusing on the power of public art; historical tours; art-making activities; author and artist discussions; celebrations of the anniversary of Harriet Tubman’s 200th birthday; and much more. “To build on the excitement of hosting the Harriet Tubman sculpture in Philadelphia, OACCE partnered with local cultural organizations to develop a schedule of thematic programs happening from the installation through the end of March,” said Kelly Lee, Chief Cultural Officer and Executive Director of OACCE. “We wanted to amplify Philadelphia’s celebration of Harriet Tubman while highlighting and promoting the programs of our local cultural organizations. I encourage Philadelphians and visitors to visit creativephl.org to participate in the full schedule of celebration events.” Partner organizations include the African American Museum of Philadelphia, ArtWell, Cecil B. Moore Freedom Fighters, the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection of Temple University Libraries, the Colored Girls Museum, Commonwealth Youthchoirs, Dr. Donald Dumpson of Diverse Arts Solutions, the Free Library of Philadelphia, Harriett’s Bookshop, Johnson House, the Jubilee School, Kimmel Cultural Campus, Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery, Mother Bethel AME Church, Philadelphia Ballet, Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts, Philadelphia Orchestra, Sankofa Artisans Guild, The Philly POPS, the Urban Affairs Coalition, and many more individual contributors. For more information about the celebration of Harriet Tubman including the schedule of programs, visit creativephl.org/harriet-tubman. Photos from the event will be available upon request. |