Future Plans
IMAGINE…27 ACRES FOR THE ARTS
Abington Art Center has launched an effort to improve the grounds around our home in a way that will increase the art activities, beautify the neighborhood, reclaim an historic landscape and preserve a rare piece of open space. AAC’s educational and curatorial activities will grow side by side with the changes in the landscape. And all of these improvements will be made possible with your support.
Abington Art Center is unique in that it takes art out of the formal museum setting and makes it accessible to all. In response to growing demand for its outdoor programs, Abington Art Center initiated a master plan process in 2002 in partnership with Abington Township. Created in concert with landscape architects and planners, neighbors, staff, volunteers and township officials, the master plan was developed to guide the Center’s programmatic and site decisions over the next ten years.
Already some changes can be seen along Meetinghouse Road and at the corner of Meetinghouse and Jenkintown Roads. Also, the opening of “The Lost Meeting” installation in the 1836 Little Abington Meetinghouse was the first step in introducing the community to the breadth of the Sculpture Park. These changes will be followed shortly by other improvements for casual and repeat visitors to enjoy self-guided and spontaneous tours of the Sculpture Park.
In October 2005, Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell awarded AAC a matching grant of $500,000. Now, Abington Art Center’s Board of Trustees has kicked off a capital campaign and is asking the community to help us match the Governor’s pledge.
27 Acres for the Arts, for the Community and for Open Space
• Preserve our unique and invaluable landscape
• Provide the community greater access, better services and more convenience
• Increase cultural and educational opportunities
• Commission artists to make new works, participate in residency programs and design park amenities
• Enhance the quality of life in our community and region.
Phase One:
Woodland and Perimeter Pathway Systems - will improve pedestrian access to the Center for self-guided, spontaneous tours of the grounds. The perimeter path project will enhance the streetscape of Jenkintown and Meetinghouse Roads including the creation of a new space at the corner for signage and public sculpture.
A Seasonal Outdoor Performance Area - will take advantage of the natural amphitheater on the site. Here families will enjoy outdoor concerts and performances.
A New Visitor Orientation Exhibit - an outdoor exhibit will provide information to guide and enrich the visitor’s experience.
Improved Signage - will direct visitors to all major exhibits and landscape elements allowing them to successfully navigate the site.
Public Artists Commissions - will enhance the Sculpture Park with innovative practical items such as footbridges, walkways, lighting and benches that will interweave art, function and the natural environment.
