The What Now: 2026 Festival Diaries will document festival projects as they are conceived, created, and performed. These short form videos, featuring interviews with the artists as well as footage of their working processes, record the journey of each project from start to finish. With two dedicated diaries being produced for each project, these videos will shed light on the breadth and scale of Philadelphia creatives, showcasing our city’s incredible diversity of artistic practice and style. 

This publication will be distributed to all festival participants, donors and attendees and will feature contributions from ArtPhilly collaborators and Philadelphia’s cultural leaders.  It will consider questions of artistic legacy, curatorial ambition, and the role of artists in interpreting history. This Zine will elevate powerful and passionate voices and be a memorable keepsake commemorating our inaugural festival. Professionally designed, ArtPhilly’s What Now: 2026 Zine will also be made available at festival venues and independent bookstores throughout the city.

During the What Now: 2026 festival, ArtPhilly will host a series of lively discussions and panels exploring themes related to the festival, affectionately titled "Salon(ish)". In addition to engaging audiences and building community, these events will also offer a platform for meaningful dialogue about art’s place in America’s past, its role in the historic anniversary of the present, and its continued importance for the next 250 years.

General Operating Sponsors provide unrestricted funding for the development and presentation of our projects. These allow ArtPhilly to continue its critical work of supporting our city's creative communities and promoting homegrown artistic talent.