Philadelphia Contemporary
Launching an Ambitious Startup.
Attracting Diverse Audiences to Contemporary Art.
Harry founded Philadelphia Contemporary in 2016. PC ‘s mission is to connect the people and places of Philadelphia through art and partnership. PC reimagined what the 21st century arts organization can and should be through partnerships and collaborations. Known for its commitment to artists and community involvement, PC presented visual, performance art, spoken word, and music programming throughout Philadelphia. PC’s programming achieved the goal of attracting an audience that reflected the diversity of Philadelphia, moving beyond the normative, predominantly white audience for contemporary art.
From 2016 to 2023 Harry raised over twelve million dollars to support Philadelphia Contemporary. That support enabled poetry, spoken word, and music festivals in 30th Street Station, in the Fels Planetarium, and the Free Library’s Center City roof deck; sculpture installations along the Delaware River Waterfront; immersive painting and video installations in 18th, 19th, and 20th century historic sites, dance performances at iconic Philadelphia churches, including Mother Bethel; and Festival for the People at Cherry Street Pier that attracted 30,000+ visitors over 15 days. Projects included art ranging from a long-term sculpture installation by Theaster Gates on Drexel University’s campus to performances by ASMR performers to an immersive installation of paintings by Jane Irish on two floors of Lemon Hill mansion.