Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley, PA, June 29, 2026 — ArtsQuest is once again transforming the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks into a showcase of the bravery present in our community through its annual “Our Hometown Heroes – First Responders” display, presented by Embassy Bank. Now in its 13th year, the display honors the police and law enforcement officials, firefighters and volunteer firefighters, volunteer rescue teams, emergency medical personnel and paramedics who risk, or have risked, their lives to protect our community.
From July 1–31, community members are invited to submit a photo of a first responder in their life–whether they are a family member, neighbor or friend—for the opportunity to be featured on one of the banners around the ArtsQuest Campus at SteelStacks during September in recognition of their service.
To submit a hero for consideration, click here and upload a high-resolution jpeg, tiff, bitmap or PDF file of your photo, along with their name, hometown, job title, department and your contact information. Physical submissions will also be accepted at all Embassy Bank locations or at the ArtsQuest Center, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem, PA 18015.
Since the program launched in 2013, ArtsQuest and Embassy Bank have honored nearly 200 heroes on more than 20 banners, creating an annual tribute to the first responders who keep our communities safe every day.
New this year, ArtsQuest and Embassy Bank will also present the inaugural ArtsQuest First Responder Valor Award, recognizing an individual whose extraordinary courage, selflessness and service exemplify the spirit of the first responder community. The award will be presented Friday, September 11 at 7 p.m. on the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks stage before the final free concert of the season. Additional details on this year’s honoree will be announced at a later date.
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences, using arts and culture as drivers of economic development in our urban communities. ArtsQuest supports this mission through performing and visual arts, film, arts education and outreach, youth programming and a wide range of cultural events, anchored by signature venues and initiatives including its flagship event, Musikfest; the ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL, a centerpiece for the Valley’s artistic communities; the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks; and the LVHN, part of Jefferson Health Turn & Grind Shop, an adaptive reuse project expanding space for programming, festivals, private events and nationally touring exhibits. ArtsQuest welcomes more than 2 million people annually, with nearly 40 percent of its programs free to attend, and generated a regional economic impact of close to $193 million in 2025. ArtsQuest’s Re-Imagine That! Capital Campaign supports the continued growth of its mission to make the arts accessible for all.