PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — What if arts and culture policies were deeply embedded in everything the city sets out to do, in order to reach higher-level civic goals?
The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is asking that question in a series of "Community Conversations," designed to create a vision for a thriving, culturally rich future for the city.
"We're hoping that the Community Conversations that will be held over the next month will lead to a citywide cultural plan that will provide a strategic framework for doing just that," said Cultural Alliance President and CEO Patricia Wilson Aden.
The Community Conversations, made possible by the Pew Charitable Trusts, bring together a diverse group of cultural leaders, storytellers, artists, community members, business and government leaders to shape a new cultural plan. Wilson Aden says arts and culture are economic drivers that contribute to the well-being of Philadelphians.
"Within the Philadelphia area, arts and culture contributes $3.3 billion to the city's economic vitality. I always call it the magnet in the multiplier. It brings people into our Center City, into our neighborhoods, and then people enjoy our wonderful restaurants."
The first meeting was held last week. Wilson Aden said it resulted in a lively discussion.
"The room was electric, filled with over 70 people not only from the music community, but from other arts disciplines as well," she said. "They gathered together to talk about what policies, what programs would be necessary to realize that Philadelphia, that we all envision for the future."
More meetings are scheduled throughout the month. The information gathered from the meetings will be on their website and will also be shared with the city of Philadelphia to help craft a plan.
During the meetings, participants can also learn about available support for art professionals who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The alliance is distributing $450,000 in grants. The program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, and Pennsylvania's Arts and Culture Recovery Program. Each $3,000 grant aims to assist those who have suffered financial loss as a result of the pandemic-related closures.
