The Association for Public Art interviews Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, artist of “OPEN AIR,” an interactive public art installation for Philadelphia.

Combining public art with mobile technology, Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer will present the world premiere of “OPEN AIR,” September 20 – October 14, 2012.

Using a free mobile app developed by Lozano-Hemmer’s studio, participants’ voices and GPS positions will control 24 powerful robotic searchlights placed along a half-mile section of the Parkway – creating giant three-dimensional “light sculptures.

“Public art can create community attachment, if we overcome perceived barriers and open pathways for engagement,” aPA Executive Director Penny Balkin Bach explains.

Check out the recent coverage of our name change from the Fairmount Park Art Association to the Association for Public Art.

The Association for Public Art was awarded a $250,000 inaugural Knight Arts Challenge grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation for “Open Air” by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer.

Philadelphia Live Arts Festival, our co-presenter of Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s “Open Air,” interviews the artist about his interactive public art installation for Philadelphia.

Originally commissioned in 1981 by the Association for Public Art, Sol LeWitt’s Lines in Four Directions in Flowers has finally been realized 30 years later by the Philadelphia Museum of Art with the help of OLIN architects and designers.

“Public Art Pathway” is one of four free events included in the aPA’s “Site Seeing: Rediscover Public Art This Spring!” campaign, a month-long celebration inviting Philadelphians and visitors to rediscover the city’s outdoor sculpture.

PlanPhilly’s JoAnn Greco recently talked with the Art Association’s Executive Director, Penny Balkin Bach, and Fairmount Park’s Rob Armstrong about the Art Association’s upcoming “Site Seeing” campaign.