Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance to Host ‘Cultural Dynamics: Co-Creating a Vision for Philadelphia’ Convening Featuring National Endowment for the Arts Chair

Leaders in arts and culture, business, public sector and the community will collaborate on arts and culture strategies to transform Philadelphia’s social and economic future 

August 8, 2024 (PHILADELPHIA) – The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (“Cultural Alliance”) today announced a first-of-its-kind civic and cultural convening, titled “Cultural Dynamics: Co-Creating a Vision for Philadelphia.” Cultural Dynamics will bring together civic and cultural leaders to launch new conversations and spark ideas about how arts policies can create lasting social impact and economic prosperity in urban settings and specifically in Greater Philadelphia. Maria Rosario Jackson, Ph.D., Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, will be the featured speaker, bringing a groundbreaking national discussion to Philadelphia. The convening will be held September 10, 2024 at Drexel University, thanks to support from The William Penn Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. 

“Philadelphia’s broad, energetic, and diverse cultural community is an invaluable resource that delivers much-needed economic and social benefits to our city. But for too long, its impact has been underestimated,” said Patricia Wilson Aden, President & CEO, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. “Leveraging arts and culture resources will foster innovation and help address the complex challenges facing our city. Our hope is that Cultural Dynamics will serve as the springboard for a future defined by creativity, inclusivity, and resilience. We are grateful to have the support of the William Penn Foundation, the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage for this crucial gathering.” 

“Through the transformative power of the arts, we create connection and foster healing, enhance economic vitality, and enact lasting social change in our communities,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, Ph.D., Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. “This convening will bring together leaders in arts and culture, the public sector, business, and more—all critical partners for integrating the arts into civic life. I am looking forward to spending time in Philadelphia discussing the dynamic cultural landscape of this creative city.” 

Presented by the Cultural Alliance in collaboration with Creative Philadelphia (formerly known as the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy) and PA Humanities, Cultural Dynamics will convene artists, elected officials, funders, and community members to craft a shared vision for Philadelphia's future that integrates arts and culture into civic decision-making. Following the initial convening, the Cultural Alliance will host a series of community engagement meetings to ensure broad participation in this important conversation. 

“Arts and culture have a positive impact on every Philadelphian, regardless of their neighborhood or their identity,” said Val Gay, Chief Cultural Officer, City of Philadelphia. “We are looking forward to uniting these important conversations, energizing the arts and culture community, and accelerating our efforts to integrate arts and culture into all of our society—including economically.” 

"Our commitment to the humanities for the last 50 years has been driven by a belief in the transformative power of people to lead and make positive change,” said Laurie Zierer, Executive Director, PA Humanities. “As we now face so many challenges, I believe in the people of Pennsylvania – in their care and passion for each other, this city, and in their commitment to give back and co-imagine a future together. Convening a cross-section of leaders from not only the arts and culture community, but also from the public sector, business, and more, is a critical step on the path to envisioning – and achieving – our full potential. 

While in-person attendance is limited, the content of Cultural Dynamics: Co-Creating a Vision for Philadelphia will also be streamed live online. Additional details and registration instructions are forthcoming. 

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About Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance: 

Established in 1972, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is the region’s leading arts and cultural advocacy, research, and marketing organization. Our mission is to “lead, strengthen and amplify the voices of a cultural community that ignites creativity, inspires people and is essential for a healthy region.” Our membership includes more than 450 organizations ranging from museums and dance companies to community art centers, historic sites, music ensembles and zoos. For more information on the Cultural Alliance, please visit philaculture.org.