WHEREAS,
The City has a number of programs that encourage or require developers to dedicate a portion of their project towards art; and
WHEREAS, The Redevelopment Authority has a model program entitled, “Percent for Art” which requires developers to dedicate one percent of their construction costs towards public art; and
WHEREAS, The “Percent for Art” program has been in existence since 1959 and much of the beauty of Philadelphia can be directly attributed to this program which has been emulated throughout the country and the world; and
WHEREAS, This program has fulfilled an important public service for Philadelphia citizens in exchange for public assistance in their projects; and
WHEREAS,
The “Percent for Art” program has beautified Philadelphia and improved citizens’ quality of life, and brought character, vitality and history to so many Philadelphia spaces; and
WHEREAS,
Public art created through the program has encouraged dialogue, provided landmarks for visitors, created a sense of place and inspired Philadelphians to take pride in their City; and
WHEREAS, “Percent for Art” programs in Philadelphia have been the inspiration for many similar programs across the country; and
WHEREAS
,
It has been reported that a developer is currently attempting to obtain an exemption from the RDA’s Percent for Art Program; and
WHEREAS, By allowing an exemption for one developer, the door is opened for other developers to request an exemption that could potentially cripple the program; and
WHEREAS,
While this City Council appreciates the efforts to build new developments within the City, we are strong in our desire to see the integrity of the RDA Percent for Art Program as well as all Percent for Art Programs kept intact; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, That the City Council calls on all developers to honor the obligations of Philadelphia’s “Percent for Art” programs when building in the City.
End