Recognizing and honoring Art-Reach for the ACCESS Admission initiative which connects underserved populations with Philadelphia's arts and cultural institutions.

Whereas, On September 1st Art-Reach, an arts accessibility nonprofit aimed at expanding the arts and cultural opportunities for lower income families, launched the ACCESS Admission initiative; and

WHEREAS, ACCESS Admission connects Philadelphians who carry an ACCESS or EBT card with seventeen (17) area museums for the discounted rate of $2 per person; and

Whereas, Thirty (30) percent of Philadelphians and sixteen (16) percent of residents in the surrounding five counties participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and receive EBT cards; and

WHEREAS, Admission to some museums can cost upwards of $20 per person, greatly limiting access to our underserved residents who are on fixed budgets. The ACCESS Admission program will permit nearly 480,000 residents to visit a variety of museums and arts programs throughout the area; and

Whereas, The ACCESS Admission initiative furthers the mission of Art-Reach by connecting underserved families with museums, science centers, historic sites and gardens; and

Whereas, In the first year participating ACCESS Admission Venues consist of seventeen (17) sites, including: the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the National Constitution Center, Independence Seaport Museum, the Please Touch Museum and others; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, BY the Council of the City Philadelphia, That the Council hereby recognizes and honors Art-Reach for the ACCESS Admission initiative which connects underserved populations with Philadelphia's arts and cultural institutions.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Art-Reach as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End