WHEREAS, Philadelphia has historically been home to a vibrant musical heritage including world-class music from all genres, including
classical, opera, Hip Hop, R&B, rock, jazz, and soul. Prominent artists and professionals include Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Billy Paul, Chubby Checker, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Dick Clark and the American Bandstand, Will Smith, Boyz II Men, Sarah Chang, Mario Lanza, Pattie LaBelle and many more; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is home to a variety of music venues and institutions such as the famed Academy of Music (which is the longest continuously operating opera house in the country), the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (which is home to the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Philadanco, and the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society), the Mann Center for the Performing Arts (which is one of the largest outdoor amphitheatres in the country), the Dell Music Center (Philadelphia’s premier historical outdoor entertainment venue), the Curtis Institute of Music (one of the foremost schools of music in the nation), and the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (which showcases more than 170 performances every year); and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia has a historically prominent jazz and cabaret culture that consists of organizations and night clubs such as the John W. Coltrane Cultural Society, Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, and more; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia has the most prominent Indie Music scene today; it is one of the best Hip Hop and R&B locales in the Nation; it has a large fan base for Country Music and Folk Music; venues on Walnut Street and
the renowned Avenue of the Arts host robust musical theater; and it is home to many other genres of music; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia’s ethnic communities have established organizations to preserve and promote their cultural music, which greatly enriches the presence and diversity of World Music in our City; and
WHEREAS, Today’s Philadelphia musicians and Music Industry leaders have noted a shift away from the City’s past prominence in music, as cited by Music Industry experts who testified at the September 16, 2015, hearing before the City Council Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy; and
WHEREAS, The Music Industry is a source of great economic growth and opportunity for the City. A better understanding of Philadelphia’s Music Industry is needed to enhance that growth and provide a more effective platform for local artists to develop and be recognized, and a strategic plan should be adopted for the re-establishment of Philadelphia as a Center of the World Music Industry; now, therefore
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Creation of the Task Force on the Philadelphia Music Industry. The Task Force on the Philadelphia Music Industry (hereafter referred to as “The Task Force”) is hereby created as a Council advisory body.
SECTION 2. Composition of The Task Force. The Task Force shall be composed of fifteen (15) members appointed by Council by resolution. Recommendations for five (5) of the members shall be solicited from the Mayor. Council shall appoint at least one member from each of the following constituent groups: Musicians and Vocalists, Music Composers, Music Lyrics Writers, Music Businesspersons, Music Academicians, Music Venues, Music Industry Producers, Music Industry Engineers, and Music Industry Marketers. The City’s Chief Cultural Officer shall be one of the members at the direction of the Mayor, who shall be the Chair of the Task Force unless the Task Force selects an alternative Chair.
SECTION 3. Function of the Task Force. The Task Force shall consider the history of the Music Industry in Philadelphia, evaluate the current state of the Music Industry in Philadelphia, and develop a strategic plan for the re-establishment of Philadelphia as a Center of the World Music Industry.
SECTION 4. Meetings of The Task Force. The Task Force shall be convened within 45 days of its creation and shall meet at such times as a majority of its members deem necessary and appropriate.
SECTION 5. Report of The Task Force. Within one year of its first meeting, The Task Force shall prepare and distribute to the Mayor, all Members of City Council, and any interested members of the public a report of its findings and its strategic plan.
End