Title
Authorizing the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to establish an advisory Task Force on Disadvantaged Communities, and further authorizing the Task Force to produce a report of findings and strategies for uplifting disadvantaged persons in Philadelphia through access to arts and culture.
Body
WHEREAS, The arts and culture industry in Philadelphia offers transformative economic opportunities for disadvantaged and disenfranchised citizens; and
WHEREAS, The arts and culture economy holds a national 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 which sustained more than 55,000 local jobs; and
WHEREAS, Yet, there have been few if any studies on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the arts and culture sector, or ways in which arts and culture can be a tool in combatting poverty; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia, with the highest poverty rate of the ten biggest cities in the U.S, should investigate ways to utilize its unique and economically prosperous arts and culture economy to uplift disadvantaged and disenfranchised populations; and
WHEREAS, Particularly for disadvantaged youth in Philadelphia, the City should evaluate its current school programs and opportunities available for students looking to pursue a career in arts and culture sectors; and
WHEREAS, The City should explore ways to fund mentorship and career development services to guide students and connect them with local resources; and
WHEREAS, Outside of the classroom, increased funding for specialized stipends and entrepreneurial programs could provide a lifeline to citizens otherwise lacking access and opportunities to the arts and culture industry; and
WHEREAS, In furtherance and continuation of its work, the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy would benefit from the assistance of a Task Force focusing exclusively on disadvantaged communities and the manner in which the arts and culture can assist those communities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby authorizes the Committee on Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to establish an advisory Task Force on Disadvantaged Communities, consisting of 15 members.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Task Force shall engage industry experts and community stakeholders and shall analyze data and industry trends to identify local strategies for uplifting disadvantaged persons in Philadelphia through access to arts and culture. Within six months of its first meeting, the Task Force shall prepare and distribute its report containing its findings and strategic plan to the Mayor, all Members of City Council, and interested members of the public.
October 1, 2020
End