Media Advisory: Council Hearings on Econ. Impact of $3.3 Billion Cultural Sector

Media Contact:
Karim Olaechea
Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
karimo@philaculture.org; 215-399-3518

On December 3, Philadelphia City Council’s Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs will hold public hearings regarding the impact of Arts and Culture on Philadelphia’s regional economy.

• Who: Cultural Alliance and more than 25 arts, cultural and civic leaders.
   
• What: Public Hearing on Economic Impact of Arts and Culture before City Council’s Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.
• When: Monday, December 3, at 10:00 AM.
   
• Where: City Council Chambers, Room 400, Philadelphia City Hall.

The hearings were prompted by Arts, Culture and Economic Prosperity, a recent report published by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance which documents that the cultural sector has a $3.3 billion impact on the region’s economy, provides 44,000 jobs and generates $1 billion in household income for residents, and generates $169 million in much-needed tax revenues for state and local governments.

Representatives of the City’s business, culinary, tourism and cultural communities will testify about the importance of arts and culture to their business and the wider economy.

Guests include:

• Tom Kaiden - President, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
   
• Karin Copeland -  Vice President, Strategic Alliances, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director, Arts & Business Council Greater Philadelphia
   
• Meryl Levitz - President & Chief Executive Officer, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation
   
• Ellen Yin - Owner, Fork Restaurant
   
• Robert Zuritsky - President, Parkway Corporation

About the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
The Greater Cultural Alliance is a leadership organization of more than 400 nonprofit arts and cultural institutions located primarily in the five counties of southeastern Pennsylvania. Its mission is to make Greater Philadelphia one of the foremost creative regions in the world. The Cultural Alliance believes that Greater Philadelphia grows stronger and more vibrant by growing its arts and culture. The Alliance’s work promotes that mission through initiatives that leverage arts and culture to inspire individuals and build community and civic engagement. These efforts include connecting cultural resources to community needs; providing direct services for nonprofit cultural organizations; leading cultural research, advocacy and policy work; and producing direct marketing programs for cultural consumers.

The Cultural Alliance’s work reflects these key principles: Arts and culture is an engine for economic growth. It has the power to elevate lives. It has the power to educate. We own it, as residents of the Greater Philadelphia region, because it comes from us. It helps individuals come together and grow as a community.

# # #