I want to thank all 17,431 for putting your name and comments on this petition and standing up for Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy in the City of Philadelphia. I want to also thank all of you who took additional steps to speak out and spread the message in many other ways.

Unfortunately, the elected officials in City Hall did not heed our calls during this budget process. City Council passed a FY 2021 budget on Thursday, 6/25, and Mayor Kenney signed it today, Friday, 6/26. The Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy remains eliminated. Two of their staff have been moved elsewhere in the administration to try to take care of business. Council did put $1.35 million back into the arts sector from the mayor's revised budget. $1 million goes to the Philadelphia Cultural Fund who gives grants to non-profits. That is only 1/3 of their usual budget and they are currently working out how they will manage. $350,000 goes to the African American Museum, which is their fully restored subsidy. 

Despite going from $0 to $1.35 million in restored arts funding since the start of this petition, I can't declare victory until the City of Philadelphia has a functioning Arts Office. However, the passing of the FY 2021 budget is not complete defeat. Council members can still make spending changes throughout the year, the budget is not completely final. There is also the FY 2022 budget next year. So keep up the noise.

I want to encourage you all to continue to be artists (or supporters) and create. The Philadelphia creative community will thrive and grow. The more we do our work and share, the harder it will be for us to be ignored. We have to rely on each other, there are plenty of us out there.

Al Clay
Executive Director
iradiophilly