Make Creative Philadelphia Permanent

On November 3, there is a second question on your ballot. Question 2 asks whether Creative Philadelphia, the city's office for arts and culture, should become a permanent part of city government.

Here is what the question says, word for word. "Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to establish and define the functions of Creative Philadelphia, an office headed by the Chief Cultural Officer to promote the City's arts, culture, and creative economy sector?" Councilmember Isaiah Thomas brought it forward, Council passed it 17 to 0, and it became law in June as Bill No. 260264-A. A yes vote writes the office into the Charter.

Right now the office exists because a mayor said so. It runs on an executive order, and what one mayor creates with a signature, the next mayor can end with one. The staff of ten does real work in the meantime, supporting artists and arts organizations across the city, and under this change programs like Mural Arts would report to the office.

Culture is business in Philadelphia. Theaters, galleries, festivals, and neighborhood arts programs employ people, fill restaurants, and bring visitors onto our corridors. The artists and small organizations behind them plan years ahead. They sign leases, hire staff, and raise money. They cannot build on ground that might disappear with the next administration.

Years ago I made a similar proposal to a city in Central PA, and the proposal for an arts commission was denied. I believe the arts are an essential part of the economic development of a place because they attract people. Tourists bring money to cities that have worthwhile things for people to experience.

This vote will show the creatives in Philadelphia that we value them. We can't miss this opportunity to create a permanent solution for the creative and cultural support our city badly needs, support that brings in new revenue for our local services.

The money question is fair to ask, and the recent record is not generous. The city cut its support for the Philadelphia Cultural Fund from $5 million a year to $3.5 million. Question 2 does not restore that funding, and nobody should pretend it does. What it does is settle the structure. A permanent office with a defined role can be held to account for results in a way a temporary one cannot, and the funding debate can happen in the open, year after year, where it belongs.

Permanence is not a blank check. It is a commitment that the work matters enough to outlast whoever holds office.

Philadelphia's culture is one of the strongest things this city offers the world. I recommend you vote yes on Question 2.