ArtsQuest’s “Re-Imagine That!” Capital Campaign marked a landmark year in 2025, propelled by the continued generosity of corporate partners, foundation supporters, community donors and regional leaders.

With construction of the new ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL well underway and renovation plans for the historic Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, the campaign continues to advance its mission of expanding access to arts, culture and creative education in the Lehigh Valley.

In June 2025, ArtsQuest broke ground on the new ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a five-story cultural and community hub replacing the Banana Factory.

The Creative Factory will expand ArtsQuest’s capacity to offer visual arts, education and programming and provide flexible space for performers and artists.

Construction is ahead of schedule, according to a Dec. 18 press release. ArtsQuest is targeting completion in the last quarter of 2026. A public opening is planned for January 2027. A “soft opening,” featuring classes and camps, may occur earlier.

In October 2025, ArtsQuest held a beam-signing ceremony at the construction site, bringing together corporate and individual donors, campaign leadership, community stakeholders and elected officials.

A central component of the “Re Imagine That!” campaign is the renovation of the Turn & Grind Shop, an historic 19th-century building at the former Bethlehem Steel south side plant. It was once an essential facility of the Bethlehem Steel Tool Division.

With the support of Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health, along with foundations, community supporters and elected officials at the county and state level, the 27,000-square-foot structure will be transformed into a multi-use arts and events venue.

Thanks in part to a $1-million grant awarded in April 2025 from the Pennsylvania Main Street Matters Grant Program, facilitated by the support of Northampton County, the Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop redevelopment is now key to expanding ArtsQuest’s capacity for festivals, exhibits, performances and community gatherings.

Upon its completion, which is expected in 2027, the Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop will include:

• The Air Products Foyer

• A large public programming space for traveling exhibits

• Additional space for festivals, including Musikfest, Oktoberfest and Christkindlmarkt

• Indoor-outdoor rental capacity for private or corporate events, such as weddings, galas, meetings and community gatherings

• A kitchen, green room and backstage area for performers and updated amenities for hospitality and production needs

The success of the “Re-Imagine That!” Capital Campaign is made possible by a coalition of supporters who believe in the transformative power of the arts. ArtsQuest extends its appreciation to the campaign’s founding supporters, philanthropic partners, corporate sponsors, regional leaders, elected officials and individual donors.

Once completed, the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL and the Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop will significantly expand ArtsQuest’s capacity to host world-class arts programming, educational initiatives, festivals and community events at one arts campus.

The Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop will provide much-needed versatile indoor-outdoor event space, elevating the region’s ability to host large-scale festivals, exhibits and community gatherings.

The redevelopment will support local employment, stimulate tourism and contribute to Bethlehem’s ongoing revitalization as a cultural destination, strengthening the city’s identity and economic vitality.