Philadelphia Unveils 1st Sculpture Of African American Girl

PHILADELPHIA — The first-ever freestanding statue depicting an individual African American girl was unveiled Wednesday in Philadelphia.

The City of Philadelphia celebrated the unveiling of MVP as the official kickoff of the City of Philadelphia’s 60th Anniversary of the Percent for Art Programs.

“Philadelphia’s youth are the MVPs of our city,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “The installation of MVP is an overdue public celebration of the incredible determination and achievement of every young Philadelphian.”

MVP by Brian McCutcheon is located at Smith Playground in South Philadelphia at 2100 S. 24th St.

The original artwork was commissioned through the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy’s Percent for Art Program in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, and the Make the World Better Foundation.

“MVP celebrates those who have historically been underrepresented in Philadelphia’s public art collection – people of color, women, and our youth,” said Margot Berg, Public Art Director. “As Philadelphia’s collection of public art continues to grow through the Percent for Art Program and other initiatives, the City remains committed to commissioning artworks that reflect our city’s diverse communities and histories.”

The figurative bronze statue depicts a young, African American female basketball player. She has just taken possession of the ball and is poised in a decisive moment which will dictate what happens next. MVP represents the power and potential of young girls, exemplifying the pursuit of success through dedication and hard work.

MVP is inspired by the trailblazing Philadelphia athlete Ora Washington (1898-1971).

Washington was a legendary Philadelphian who excelled in basketball and tennis. She played for the Philadelphia Tribunes basketball team from 1931 to 1943 and was inducted into The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. A multitalented athlete, she was also the American Tennis Association’s National Women’s Tennis Champion every year from 1925 to 1937.

Washington’s achievements in the face of racial oppression and its systemic obstacles to equal opportunity embody the narrative of determination triumphing over injustice.

"Philadelphia inspired the development of my professional practice as an artist,” said Brian McCutcheon. “Drawing from my experiences living in South Philadelphia, it’s been an honor create this monument to the youth of the Smith Playground community. The figurative statue and dedication to Ora Washington represent the resilience of Philadelphian youth throughout the city.”

This Percent for Art opportunity was announced nationally to artists and artist teams as an open Call to Artists in December 2017. Of 52 applicants, four finalists were selected to present proposals. The selection panel unanimously voted in favor of McCutcheon’s proposal.

“The children and teens that come to Smith Playground everyday can see and be inspired by this powerful sculpture that looks like someone in their community," said Kelly Lee, Chief Cultural Officer. "My hope is, like the Rocky statue, MVP will become a local destination where people will come, replicate the pose, take photos, or selfies and if only for a moment feel like a MVP – a most valuable player."

The unveiling of MVP kicked off a series of programs presented by the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority as part of the 60th Anniversary of Philadelphia’s Percent for Art Programs, the first in the nation. MVP is the newest of the “Percent for Art 60", a selection of 60 public artworks commissioned through the Percent for Art Programs. The “Percent for Art 60" are in neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia and represents 60 years of public art created in a diversity of mediums, subject matter, scale and intent. In addition to the unveiling of MVP, the “Percent for Art 60” celebratory programs include:

• Public Art Trivia on the jumbo digital screen at Commerce Square made possible with the support of Brandywine Realty Trust.
• An Interactive Map to take self-guided tours of Philadelphia’s public art throughout Philadelphia’s neighborhoods.
• A social media Scavenger Hunt with cool prizes for the winner.
• An exhibition opening on Sept. 19 at the Center for Architecture + Design.
• And a Panel Discussion with public artists on Nov. 7.

To learn more about how to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Philadelphia’s Percent for Art Programs, visit creativephl.org or philadelphiaredevelopmentauthority.org.