WHEREAS, The arts and culture sector nationally is a booming market with a valuation of over eight hundred billion annually, or nearly 5% of total US GDP, according to the National Endowment for the Arts in a 2019 report; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia saw an over 4-billion-dollar economic impact from the arts and culture sector in 2017; and
WHEREAS, That economic impact created and sustained more than 55,000 jobs in the City; and
WHEREAS, The arts and culture sector in Philadelphia is a prime driver in the restaurant, hospitality, and tourism industries that have been among the worst hit economically by the pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is one of the largest cities in the nation and it provides many of the same benefits of New York City - an international airport, vibrant consumer base, esteemed colleges, and a strong workforce - with a lower cost of living and friendlier tax structure; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia already has established roots in the arts and culture sector that position it to be a globally relevant player; and
WHEREAS, Despite the importance of the arts and culture sector, there have been few if any national level studies of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sector; and
WHEREAS, The Disadvantaged Community Task Force hearings have made clear that the arts and culture sector requires additional attention; and
WHEREAS, For Philadelphia to fully support and embrace the Arts and Culture sector, the sector must be represented by, be attended by, and speak to all of the City and its residents; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Arts and Culture Task Force will collectively work to sustain existing business, institutions and projects, incentivize new investment, and expand educational and career opportunities within a revitalized and diverse arts and culture sector in Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY RESOLVES:
SECTION 1. Creation of the Philadelphia Arts and Culture Task Force. The Philadelphia Arts and Culture Task Force (hereafter referred to as “the Task Force”) is hereby created as an advisory body of the Global Opportunities and Creative Innovative Economy Standing Committee of Philadelphia City Council.
SECTION 2. Composition of the Task Force. The Task Force shall be composed of fifteen (15) members confirmed by Council by resolution. Members of the Task Force shall come from a variety of areas of expertise within the arts and culture sector, including but not limited to: artists, actors, museum professionals, dancers, educators, musicians, funders, businesses, community groups, and academia. The Task Force shall appoint one of its members to serve as the Chair of the Task Force.
SECTION 3. Appointment of Task Force Members. Each member of the Global Opportunities and Creative Innovative Economy Standing Committee of Philadelphia City Council shall appoint one member. The Co-Chairs of the Disadvantaged Communities Task Force shall appoint an additional 3 members each. The Council President and the Mayor shall also appoint one member each.
SECTION 4. Function of the Task Force. The Task Force shall consider the history of the arts and culture sector in Philadelphia, evaluate the current state of the industry in Philadelphia, and develop a strategic plan for the prospering of Philadelphia as a competitive destination for an arts and culture sector fully representative of the City.
SECTION 5. Meetings of the Task Force. The Task Force shall be convened within 30 days of its creation and shall meet at such times as a majority of its members deem necessary and appropriate.
SECTION 6. Report of the Task Force. Within six months 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