“Testing Grounds”

Happen upon creative experiences designed with physical distancing in mind with Testing Grounds running October 9 through November 6 at Cherry Street Pier and Race Street Pier.

Kayla Bobalek, Julia Bryck,  Maddie Hopfield

Testing Grounds is an exhibition and series of happenings taking place along the Philly Waterfront that brings a diverse group of 20 emerging Philadelphia artists and collectives into conversation with the public as an unfixed site and community that holds infinite realities.

Each of the artists is tackling the large and unwieldy subject of ‘the public’ in remarkable, thoughtful ways. They raise questions about historical use of public space, concerns about the current intersection of identity and public, and posit dreams and visions of a new public.

Julia Clift

The artists were given minimal direction and maximum opportunity to imagine their practice in a larger context, both spatially and in terms of audience. The result is a wide array of site-specific happenings and installations alongside works of art placed throughout the adjacent piers.

This exhibition offers a way to see and experience art while maintaining physical distancing. Instead of announcing most of the performances, they will not be advertised in order to avoid large gatherings. Encounters with the works will primarily be a matter of chance.

To learn more about Testing Grounds, follow @testinggroundsphilly on social media.

Safety Enhancements

• The Pier’s capacity is capped at 250 individuals.
• At the discretion of the artists, visitors will be allowed into the studios. Studio capacity is 2 visitors.
• Visitors are required to wear masks unless they are eating or drinking.
• Food and beverage may only be consumed in the Garden and in the front of the Pier.
• All forms of payment are accepted at on-site vendors.
• Sanitizing stations are available throughout the Pier.
• Special signage is posted to help visitors practice physical distancing.
• Bathrooms are open to the public and sanitized hourly.