PHILADELPHIA, April 23, 2025 — Creative Philadelphia, the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy is launching a series of community Arts & Culture Town Halls to engage neighbors across the City in shaping Philadelphia’s first comprehensive Cultural Plan by bringing the conversation to each of the City’s 10 Council Districts. The discussions will take place between April and June, as well as one citywide conversation for teens and young adults and another for independent artists.
This groundbreaking citywide effort is designed to lift up the voices of Philadelphians from every neighborhood—artists, creatives, cultural organizations, faith leaders, youth, elders, and community members alike—to co-create a vision for how arts and culture can drive community health and well-being and a cleaner, greener, safer, and more economically mobile Philadelphia for all.
“Arts and culture are much more than a ‘nice to have;’ they are essential to building strong, safe, and thriving neighborhoods,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Our administration is committed to making sure that every voice is heard and that our cultural policies reflect the cultural richness, creativity, and brilliance of this City. These sessions are about listening and learning from Philadelphians, so we can build a future rooted in shared prosperity and cultural pride.”
The 12 town halls will include facilitated discussions, storytelling, artistic expression, and open dialogue. Residents are encouraged to come to share their experiences and dreams for Philadelphia’s creative future.
“Philadelphia’s culture lives in every block party, mural, open mic, church choir, and dance class,” said Val Gay, Chief Cultural Officer and Executive Director Creative Philadelphia. “This plan isn’t being written behind closed doors—it’s being co-created by, for, and with the people. We’re showing up to listen to what’s working, what’s needed, and how we can truly honor and support the creatives and culture bearers who are the lifeblood of this City. We must move away from the starving artist and scarcity mindset. Philadelphia is abundant with arts, culture, and the talented people to make it all happen.”
Each town hall meeting will explore questions, including:
– How do arts and culture show up in your neighborhood?
– What do you need to participate more fully in your creative and cultural life?
– What does your community and/or neighborhood need?
– What supports would help creatives, culture bearers, and small organizations thrive?
The input collected will directly inform the development of the City’s Cultural Plan—a roadmap that will guide public investment, cultural policy, and cross-sector collaboration for years to come. The final Cultural Plan will also be incorporated into Philadelphia’s 2035 Comprehensive Plan, complete with milestones and measurements for success.
The next four town halls will be held in Council District 3 on Thursday, May 1, from 6 – 8:30 pm, at the James L. Wright Recreation Center, 3320-50 Haverford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Council District 7 on Tuesday, May 6, from 6 – 8:30 pm, at Esperanza, 4261 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Council District 5 on Monday, May 19, from 6 – 8:30 pm at The Liacouras Center – 1776 North Broad Street Fox-Gittis Room Philadelphia, PA 19121
Council District 1 on Saturday, May 31, from 2 – 4:30 pm at the Old Pine Community Center – 401 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
A complete schedule (along with links to pre-session surveys specific to each district) is available on CreativePHL.org/ShapePhilly.
All Philadelphia residents are encouraged to sign up for the session in their district and take the pre-session survey to ensure their voice is heard.
For more information, visit CreativePHL.org and follow @CreativePHL on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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