Press release
PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) today shared its plans for new and returning programs to support Philadelphia's diverse arts community in 2021.
OACCE’s programs, launching today and later in the year, strive to provide Philadelphia residents with access to quality cultural programs; link arts organizations and artists to resources; help arts organizations to reach broader and more diverse audiences; and increase community engagement in the public art process to ensure the City’s art collection reflects the diversity of Philadelphia.
“Like much of the City’s creative community, OACCE is reimagining how we can continue to support and promote Philadelphia’s artists and cultural organizations with less dollar resources and with more creative collaboration,” said Kelly Lee, Chief Cultural Officer.
NEW: Visit Creativephl.org
OACCE launched a brand-new version of the creativephl.org website today. The new website includes the return of the Arts Access Calendar, enhanced opportunities pages, and a section focused on community engagement.
NEW: Arts Access TV
Presenting Arts Access TV, a new opportunity for Philadelphia’s diversity of local artists and cultural organizations to air their performances and programs on Philadelphia’s local Channel 64 (PHLGovTV). Local artists and cultural organizations can participate for free to increase their visibility, connect with a broader audience, or stay engaged with existing audiences. Arts Access TV will air weekly on the free local Channel 64 (PHLGovTV) on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Learn More
Enhanced: Arts Access Calendar
The Arts Access Calendar on creativephl.org provides a centralized listing of free arts and culture activities hosted by Philadelphia cultural organizations throughout the city. Organizations are invited to submit their free events to be listed on the Arts Access Calendar starting today. Learn More
NEW: Bethel Burying Ground Memorial Community Engagement Sessions and Public Input Process
OACCE and the Bethel Burying Ground Historic Site Memorial Committee are hosting a series of community engagement sessions to encourage Philadelphians to provide input on the design of the Bethel Burying Ground Memorial. The public can review information about the Bethel Burying Ground, view each of the four (4) artist team videos (each three (3) minutes in length) and complete the brief eight (8) question online survey to participate. The memorial will be a commissioned piece of site-specific public art that will recognize and celebrate the over 5,000 African Americans buried at the historic Bethel Burying Ground located in Weccacoe Playground in Queen Village. Learn More
Ongoing: Public Art and Percent for Art Programs
OACCE is implementing changes in how new public art is commissioned through the Percent for Art program by creating a process that increases community engagement and participation. The Office continues the conservation and management of the City’s 1,100-piece public art collection.
Later in 2021: Neighborhood Arts Programs
OACCE plans to resume funding to support the local artists and organizations presenting free theatrical and musical performances, dance instruction, art making, and more in Philadelphia neighborhoods. A timeline for this program is dependent upon the City’s COVID-19 guidelines.
Later in 2021: Art in City Hall
The Art in City Hall program will return on a limited scale and frequency. A timeline for this program is dependent upon the City’s COVID-19 guidelines.
OACCE will support these programs through its current FY21 budget of $1.77M. OACCE's FY21 budget includes funds to support four full-time staff members and OACCE programs, a $1M allocation to the Philadelphia Cultural Fund and a $350,000 allocation to the African American Museum of Philadelphia.
Stay engaged with these programs and more by visiting creativephl.org and following OACCE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About City of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy
The Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy (OACCE) closes the gap in access to the arts for all Philadelphians and is committed to equitable support of culture and creativity throughout the city’s neighborhoods. OACCE supports free cultural programming; creates opportunities for local artists and creative organizations; connects Philadelphians to quality arts experiences; and preserves the City’s public art assets. For more information about the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, visit CreativePHL.org and follow @CreativePHL on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram