Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance to Host ‘Community Conversations’ Series to Inform City-Wide Cultural Plan

Series will gather input from the arts, culture, and humanities community to shape new strategic framework for the sector.

February 27, 2025 (PHILADELPHIA) – The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (“Cultural Alliance”) has announced a series of “Community Conversations” designed to facilitate the co-creation of a vision for a thriving, culturally rich future for the city. The Community Conversations, made possible by the generous support of The Pew Charitable Trusts and produced in partnership with PA Humanities and Creative Philadelphia, will bring together a diverse group of cultural leaders, storytellers, artists, community members, business and government leaders, and local stakeholders. The input and feedback from these discussions will collectively inform and shape a new Cultural Plan for the City of Philadelphia. 

The series follows the first-of-its-kind civic and cultural convening, “Cultural Dynamics: Co-Creating a Vision for Philadelphia,” which was organized by the Cultural Alliance in November 2024 and featured Maria Rosario Jackson, Ph.D., former Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, as its keynote speaker. The conversations align with the Cultural Alliance’s new Strategic Plan, which calls for the organization to be a thought leader, advocate, and catalyst for transformative change for Philadelphia’s creative sector. 

“We know that arts and culture are not only an economic driver but also a beacon of hope, a source of healing, and a powerful catalyst for change within our neighborhoods and beyond. Our sector is integral to shaping the city we all envision,” said Patricia Wilson Aden, President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. “By working together on a city-wide Cultural Plan, we aim to create a comprehensive roadmap for arts policies that impact our downtown, our neighborhoods, and every corner of the city, from river to river. I invite everyone in the arts and culture community to join us at one of our Community Conversations to share their perspectives and experiences, ensuring this plan is both inclusive and reflective of the diverse voices within our sector.” 

The Cultural Plan is envisioned as a strategic framework for the city's arts and culture community, guided by Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s broad, inclusive mission to create a cleaner, greener, safer city with economic mobility for all. The Plan will also be informed by forthcoming series of conversations hosted by Creative Philadelphia, called Cultural Plan Exploration Sessions. Those interested can register for updates here. 

In addition to informing the Cultural Plan, the Cultural Alliance’s Community Conversations will help identify trends and needs across Philadelphia’s arts and culture ecosystem and the neighborhoods they serve and create space for strong networks and greater collaboration between and among the creative and cultural sectors. 

The Community Conversations will be held: 

Saturday, March 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Hosted at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Hamilton Garden, 300 S. Broad Street) in partnership with The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts. Featuring a panel discussion with Yannick Nézet-Séguin (Music and Artistic Director, The Philadelphia Orchestra), Dyana Williams (radio and music professional), Justin Faulkner (drummer, educator, and philanthropist), and Kaisha Blackstone (musician, businesswoman, educator). (Register here) 

Saturday, March 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Hosted at the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania (118 S. 36th Street). (Register here) 

Thursday, March 20 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

Hosted at the Center for Anti-Racism at Temple University (1114 W. Polett Walk, 140 Mazur Hall) in partnership with the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection and Center for Anti-Racism. (Register here)

Monday March 31 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

Hosted at FringeArts (140 N. Christopher Columbus Boulevard). (Register here) 

Each session includes 30 minutes for registration, a short arts and culture experience, and 2-2.5 hours of Cultural Planning conversation, followed by time for networking. 

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About the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance: 

Established in 1972, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance has proudly served as the region’s foremost advocate for arts and cultural for over 50 years. Our mission is to lead, strengthen and amplify the voices of a dynamic cultural community that sparks creativity, inspires people, and plays a vital role in fostering the health and wellbeing of the region. Representing a diverse cultural ecosystem—including museums, visual artists, dance companies, community art centers, musicians, historic sites, zoos, and more—the Cultural Alliance is dedicated to being a thought leader, trusted resource, and powerful advocate for the Greater Philadelphia creative sector. We are committed to driving positive change and supporting the collective vision of our community. For more information, please visit philaculture.org.