Civic Centered creates memorable projects in a process that is fun and engaging.
Civic Centered prides itself on its vision and drive, coupled with its years of experience in the civic sector. We perform art-based solution finding for clients, whether they want to create an arts master plan, commission an original work of art, or manage a complicated art conservation project. We can do all this with an agile organization through collaboration with the designers, artists, curators, public administrators, conservators, and thinkers who shape our civic spaces today. This collaboration network brings in the unique combination of expertise needed for even the most complicated of projects.
As the founding principal, I am a client’s primary point of contact, bringing in my network of collaborators to custom-fit each project. I work with clients to define a unique vision to create projects with resonance and strong visual impact. I can establish aspirational and achievable goals tailored for each project by engaging in a listening-based process with clients and stakeholders. Merging experience in architectural design, public art management, and project management in the public and private sectors allows me to navigate complex projects and see them through from start to finish.
I connect deeply with the communities I work with and want to create custom, arts-forward solutions rooted in transparency and best practices. My work is never an off-the-shelf product but made through deep listening to a full spectrum of stakeholders while keeping the client’s vision at the forefront of the work. I have experience working in cities large and small, commissioning art in all mediums and budgets, and working with artists at all phases of their careers.
Civic Centered is proud to be certified as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Women’ Business Enterprise National Council
JULIA GUERRERO
HIGHLIGHTED PROJECTS AND EFFORTS
Downtown Reading Cultural Plan: Retained by Stantec Architecture to research and write the Cultural Plan that was part of the Downtown Reading Master Plan. Engaged arts and cultural leaders to identify strengths of current programs and identify areas for growth. Engaged City officials, arts leaders, artists and community groups to understand the landscape of the arts in the city and to make a plan to unify efforts, strengthen the impact of City initiatives, and to advance the arts. Wrote Cultural Plan, with recommendations rooted in site-specific research and nation-wide best practices.
City of Allentown, Public Art Planning and Activation Program: Developed and implemented a multi-year public art program across the city, which included murals, sculpture and community-informed work. Collaborated across city agencies to develop support, and engaged artists and cultural groups. Developed arts-based community engagement programs for children and young adults. All works were commissioned through public RFP/RFQ processes to ensure program transparency and increase visibility.
Redisplay of artifacts from the Philadelphia Civic Center: Retained by Penn Medicine to complete a survey assessment of salvaged architectural artifacts from the now-demolished Art Deco Philadelphia Civic Center. Designed an installation in a ground-floor gallery, and oversaw its installation by art conservators. Conducted historical research into the Civic Center, which was used to write content for exhibit’s interpretative panels.
Repainting of Mark di Suvero’s ‘Iroquois’ sculpture: Project manager for the repainting of the 35,000 lb. sculpture on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway by the Philadelphia Museum of art. Oversaw all aspects of the project, from researching industrial painters and paint systems to overseeing the de-installation, painting and re-installation of the sculpture.
Public Art Commissioning: Commissioned nearly $8M of new works of public art, with budgets ranging from $10k-$2.5M. Collaborated with developers, artists, art committees, institutions and project stakeholders to build consensus and manage project goals. Facilitated communication between parties, meeting deadlines and budgets.
Policy Writing: Re-thought and wrote program policy for the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority’s Percent for Art Program, incorporating temporary, permanent and community-based art. Managed two separate advisory boards for the Percent for Art Program and Advisory Board of Design. Made regular presentations to commissions and boards to obtain project approvals.
Grant Program Development: Developed and oversaw all aspects of FACE (Fund for Art and Civic Engagement), an arts grant making program through the Percent for Art Program to develop community-informed art initiatives.
EXPERIENCE
Principal, Civic Centered Consulting. Founded 2022
Member, Philadelphia Mayor’s Cultural Advisory Council, Public Art Subcommittee. Ongoing
Public Art Project Manager, Materials Conservation, Philadelphia. 2019-2023
Director, One Percent for Art Program and Advisory Board of Design, Philadelphia. 2008-2019
Assistant Adjunct Professor, Temple University School of Architecture, Philadelphia. 2005-2008
Architectural Staff, Associates, Philadelphia. 2003-2008
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch), The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, NY, NY 2003
