DETAILS
Completed: June 2025
Location: Richmond, VA
Budget: $200,000 USD (including lighting)
Size: 1000sf
Media: steel, window film, and lighting

HIGHER AND HIGHER
Near the site of a prominent Confederate hospital and 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. Functioning as an iconic neighborhood emblem and beacon, it acknowledges the past while looking to the future.

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’ (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.

Higher & Higher is currently a global Finalist for the 2025 World Architecture Festival - Display (Public Art) category and the winner of several other global art and design awards.

TESTIMONIALS

“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

“This new station represents who we are and what we stand for. It’s a space that supports our firefighters while deepening our connection to the Richmond community. Bringing together history, art, and public safety in this way makes it all the more special.”
- Jeffery Segal, Interim Fire Chief, City of Richmond

“Amazing… Public safety + art + history is the most meaningful way to support our community.”
- Danny Avula, Mayor, City of Richmond

“This project will be a showcase for years to come and a representation of the best of the City.”
– L. Dexter Goode, Sr. Capital Projects Manager, Special Capital Projects Group, City of Richmond

PROJECT CREDITS

ART
Artists – A Gang of Three + Sylvio Lynch III
General Contractor (Art) – A Gang of Three
Sculpture Fabricator and Installer – Cricket Forge
Arts Coordination - Emily Hogan
Sculpture Coordination – Austin Chappell
Lighting Designer (Art) – Studio CLL
Structural Engineer (Art) – Bennett & Pless
Art Film Fabricator – Custom Glass and Door Studios
Art Lighting Supplier - MMIS

BUILDING
Building Architect – Moseley Architects
Building Engineer (structural) – Moseley Architects
Building General Contractor – J.W. Enochs Inc.

CLIENTS
City of Richmond, VA
Richmond Public Arts Commission
Richmond Fire Department

MEDIA CREDITS
Principal Photography - Keith Isaacs
Video Editing - Nick Rossitch
Project Text - Ann Dingli

AWARDS
2025 World Architecture Festival - Display (Public Art/Exhibition), Finalist

2025 Architecture Hunter Awards - Social (Impact) Projects, Finalist

2025 Anthem Award - Awareness, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Silver Award

2025 Wonder Global Awards, Humanitarian Project - Gold Award

2025 Wonder Global Awards, Cultural Project - Silver Award