case study: higher and higher: courage and community in richmond firefighting
Higher and Higher is a site-specific race, gender, equity and inclusion focused intervention located in the heart of the former Confederacy.
Near the site of a Confederate army camp, a prominent Confederate hospital, and a Rebel training grounds, and less than three miles from the White House of the Confederacy, “Higher and Higher” is a large-scale installation of sculpture and images that reflects the complex racial, social, and firefighting histories of the City of Richmond, Virginia – the former capital of the Confederate States during the American Civil War.
Initial concept rendering showing proposed art (base rendering by Moseley Architects)
“The Richmond Public Art Commission has been working with A Gang of Three on a significant, multicomponent installation at a new high profile site in the heart of our historic city. While their artistic excellence is obvious from their portfolio, it is further enhanced by the extensive historical research they conducted for this project.
They are some of the most professional public artists I’ve worked with in years.”
– Susan Glasser, Secretary Emeritus, Richmond Public Art Commission
Glass diagram (center) | Installed glass elements (left / right)
EVER UPWARD
Referencing the iconic form of the fire ladder, an intricately structured steel assembly occupies a two-story open-air terrace at a height of 52.5' (16m). The sculpture is an allegory for a complex, decades-long climb towards a more inclusive department, city and society. Bright red and artfully illuminated, it is visible several blocks away from both corner approaches and down Cary Street (a historically charged thoroughfare once used by Rebel soldiers and named after a prominent slave holder).
Accompanying this central sculpture, “Higher and Higher” integrates historically resonant photographs and illustrations digitally printed on high performance film and incorporated into a series of monumental graphics. The images create street level interest, enhance views of the neighborhood from within the space, and transform the building entirely when backlit by its interior community spaces at night.
Selected images depict Richmond’s early all-volunteer forces; its first integrated fire company; the department’s expanding role in providing emergency services; and significant figures like the first black fire chief and the first female firefighter. These historical illustrations bring an enduring, layered dimension to the project, reflecting the journey of the department towards a more inclusive representation of the evolving and diverse community it serves.
ART AS ARCHITECTURE
More than 20' (6m) taller than any surrounding structure, the new Fire Station #12 (designed by Moseley Architects) is a landmark on the edge of the historic Fan District – a residential neighborhood of late-nineteenth century homes. “Higher and Higher” enhances the visual profile and embeddedness of the building and the Fire Department within its surrounding neighborhood. Its illuminated sculpture and resonant imagery map a complicated climb towards aspirational goals.
Considering the building’s significance to the community and the site’s notable history, “Higher and Higher” is public art that functions experientially — furthering the building’s native use and helping affirm its inclusive presence in the neighborhood as a landmark of protection. The installation integrates deliberately with the Fire Department’s architecture, transforming the building itself into inhabitable public art.
ALWAYS HIGHER
In current American political and racial contexts, projects that recall or incite shared values and equity are increasingly important. In the heart of the former Confederacy, “Higher and Higher” honors dignity and the common good as matters of resistance to the current federal government’s work to erase diversity, equity and inclusion from our shared lexicon. This project seeks to stand in steadfast defiance of bigotry, fragmentation and destruction, continuing instead to fight for, and build, togetherness.
project partners
Richmond Public Arts Commission (client)
Richmond Fire Department (client)
Studio CLL (lighting designer - sculpture)
Cricket Forge (fabrication and installation - sculpture)
Custom Glass and Door Studios (art film)
Bennett & Pless (structural engineering - sculpture)
MMIS (lighting supplier - sculpture)
Emily Hogan (building architect/project manager and art coordination)
Austin Chappell (sculpture coordination)
Moseley Architects (building architect and structural engineer)
J.W. Enochs (building general contractor)
credits
principal photography ©Keith Isaacs unless otherwise noted
additional images ©a gang of three
project text/editing by Ann Dingli
designed by a gang of three + Sylvio Lynch III
©City of Richmond