In the News: Philly will host a five-week-long arts festival as part of America 250
The Philadelphia Inquirer gives its readers the inside scoop on What Now: 2026.
Publication Date: Dec. 9, 2025
"A new arts festival will launch in Philadelphia in 2026 as one of the major events marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. What Now: 2026 is planned to be a five-week-long festival from the nonprofit ArtPhilly. The festival aims to showcase the city’s artistry and talent for both tourists and neighbors alike...
'I just thought we could do a better job than we did in 1976 [for the Bicentennial],' said KatherineSachs, who serves as chair of ArtPhilly. 'We want people to see what Philly has to offer every day of the year, so they come back.'
'We’re rah-rah sports. We’re rah-rah about our history and our Independence Hall, and Liberty Bell,' said Bill Adair, ArtPhilly’s creative and executive director. 'Those are amazing parts of our identity and who we are, but we know that the arts and culture sector is one of the strongest in the country and the world, and we deserve to be known for that.'"
Read the whole feature HERE.
Photo: ArtPhilly curatorial and deputy director Tania Isaac, ArtPhilly creative and executive director Bill Adair, and ArtPhilly founder Katherine Sachs, Nov. 19, 2025. Credit: Jessica Griffin