Let Freedom Ring

Artist Paul Ramírez Jonas’ public art installation Let Freedom Ring employs the song “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” to inspire civic engagement and cooperation as the US celebrates its semiquincentennial. Situated at Cherry Street Pier on the Delaware River waterfront, the sculpture’s 32 bells play all but the final note of the patriotic anthem, which visitors ring out together on a 600-pound bell. Inscriptions on the installation—which include partial lyrics to the song and incomplete statements that read “I want to be free from” and “I want to be free to”—encourage conversation  and reflection. Association for Public Art “ambassadors” offer interpretive guidance, answer questions, and gather feedback from audiences. Accompanying artmaking workshops and public discussions promote discourse on civic history and the future of American democracy.

The total grant amount represents project funding plus an additional 20% in unrestricted general operating support.