Uniting Art and Infrastructure: How Philly Water is Transforming Community Engagement
In an age where many utilities struggle to inspire the public about infrastructure, Philadelphia Water Department, affectionately known as “Philly Water,” has taken a creative leap. They’ve launched a groundbreaking initiative called “Wingo-WHAT?” designed to connect with communities on a deeply human level. Recently, Piers Clark sat down with Glen Abrams, Head of Public Affairs at the Philadelphia Water Department, for the Exec Exchange podcast to explore this innovative initiative.
The Story Behind “Wingo-WHAT?”
“Wingo-WHAT?” isn’t your typical public engagement strategy. Faced with infrastructure-based flooding in Germantown, Philly Water sought to change the narrative from technical jargon to something everyone could relate to. With backing from the US Water Alliance and its Arts Accelerator grant, they partnered with artists, including Philadelphia’s former poet laureate, Trapeta Mayson, to use poetry as a medium for storytelling and community engagement.
A Creative Approach to Real Problems
The inspiration behind “Wingo-WHAT?” lies in its unique blend of history and modern challenges. The name itself is a nod to the historical Wingohocking Creek, which was converted into part of the city’s sewer system. By combining “Water, History, Arts Activation, and Transformation,” the initiative sought to enlighten residents about flooding’s roots in history and their lived experiences. Glen Abrams emphasizes that such engagement is critical due to the trauma that flooding can cause. “The trauma that is part of flooding… when people lose personal items, like photos, they’re irreplaceable, and that creates real pain and trauma,” he shares. The platform created artistic expressions that provided an avenue for healing and awareness, ultimately fostering a culturally resonant dialogue in the community.
The Mechanics of Engagement
In early 2020, “Wingo-WHAT?” utilized water-phobic paint and poetry stencils across Germantown, which became visible in the rain, literally bringing words to life. During the culminating event, local musicians joined together, and the project culminated in a long-form poem by Trapeta Mayson—a poetic testament to the community’s stories and shared experiences. Recognizing the long-term nature of infrastructure improvements, Philly Water ensures continued engagement through new initiatives like the Waterways Arts Initiative in collaboration with local artists and organizations. The creation of spaces like the Watershed storefront exemplifies this ongoing effort.
A Model for Others
Interestingly, the financials behind the initiative were modest—nearing $10,000 for “Wingo-WHAT?” and up to $100,000 for broader engagement projects. Despite being a fraction of the utility’s overall budget, these investments have transformed public interaction.
Reflections and Future Directions
Reflecting on his non-traditional career path into the water sector, Glen Abrams offers wise advice: “trust the journey.” His approach bridges the gap between people and their environment in transformative ways. For those inspired by Philly Water’s story, Abrams suggests that the journey of creative engagement can take you exactly where you need to be. Philly Water’s “Wingo-WHAT?” exemplifies the possibilities when art meets public infrastructure. This initiative not only addresses the technical challenges of water systems but also enriches communal life by bridging gaps and fostering unity. As Philly Water continues to inspire, it’s a lesson for utilities worldwide: harness creativity to stir hearts and minds.
Join us next time on the Exec Exchange podcast for more stories that enlighten and inspire.