The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future.
America250PA is now accepting proposal submissions from Pennsylvania artists for the Bells Across PA art series to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States in 2026. The selected artists will execute their designs on three-feet tall fiberglass bell sculptures. These bells will be adorned and magically transformed by local artists and sponsored by businesses or individuals as part of America250PA's efforts to celebrate the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
As part of this project, Philadelphia 250 is partnering with Mural Arts Philadelphia to place 20 bells throughout the city of Philadelphia. The bells will serve as public art pieces that visually represent community voices across 20 neighborhoods. Artists will be commissioned to work with local partners to develop designs for the bell sculptures and execute those designs at a city-provided production space at the Navy Yard in fall of 2025.