Learn more about Philadelphia's cultural organizations

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Philadelphia is a vibrant center for arts and culture. The city's diverse cultural landscape and tremendous infrastructure of cultural and historical assets make it a destination for many visitors. Whether you are looking for a play, museum exhibition, or historical tour, the city has a number of cultural amenities to offer. From the theaters on the Avenue of the Arts to the art galleries in Old City , there is something here for everyone.

There are a variety of City programs and activities that enhance the cultural life of Philadelphia . Below is a description of these programs with links to their websites.

The Art Commission
Art In City Hall
City Hall Tours
City Sponsored Events
Department of Recreation Cultural Programs
The Philadelphia Cultural Fund
Philadelphia Mural Arts Program
Public Art Program

 

In addition, the City of Philadelphia supports the interests and concerns of Philadelphia 's arts and cultural community through the Office of the City Representative and the Department of Commerce. The department offers guidance, insight and assistance wherever appropriate.

Avenue of the Arts, Inc.
Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
Greater Philadelphia Film Office
Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation
Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau
Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress
Philly Fun Guide

 

The Art Commission
As Philadelphia's design review board, this charter-mandated commission acts as the approval body for all construction and alterations of architecture and art paid for wholly, or in part, with City funds. Any art, architecture or signage on City land or in special control areas is also subject to approval by the Commission. The Commission also reviews and approves proposals for the acquisition of new works of public art and conservation treatments to the City's existing collection, executed by the Public Art Office. For more information call 215.683.2095 or email william.burke@phila.gov .

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Art In City Hall
Art In City Hall presents exhibitions of contemporary artwork by emerging and professional Philadelphia visual artists. Encompassing a variety of mediums, techniques and subjects, this unique municipal program is committed to presenting a diversity of ideas and artistic explorations. The program strives to link visual artists with the larger community by providing the public with a greater knowledge and appreciation of their artistic achievements. Art In City Hall also exhibits works by the School District of Philadelphia and collaborates with other city government departments, community art centers and nonprofit arts organizations. The program is part of the City of Philadelphia 's Department of Public Property.

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City Hall Tours
Placed directly in the center of downtown Philadelphia , City Hall is the nation's largest municipal building. Through the City Hall Tours Program, people have the opportunity to visit Philadelphia 's center of local government. With over 700 rooms, 250 architectural relief and sculptural pieces, as well as numerous artifacts highlighting the buildings past, this tour offers a glimpse into the political and historic beginnings of the city.

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City Sponsored Events
A listing of special events sponsored by the City, including parades and festivals.

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Department of Recreation Cultural Programs
The cultural programs housed within the Department of Recreation offer opportunities in the visual and performing arts. Adults and children can find programs ranging from ceramics to dance at various Recreation Department sites across the city.

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The Philadelphia Cultural Fund
Established in 1991, The Philadelphia Cultural Fund provides operating support for nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Philadelphia . The grants awarded primarily come from an annual appropriation from the City budget. By offering support to the arts and culture sector, the Cultural Fund seeks to: advocate the value of the arts to the community; recognize and nurture artistic quality; increase the involvement in arts and cultural activities; preserve and protect Philadelphia 's cultural heritage; and recognize the contributions of Philadelphia 's arts and culture organizations.

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Philadelphia Mural Arts Program
The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program develops sustainable partnerships with community organizations to: 1) create murals that reflect the community's culture, history, and vision; 2) foster youth development through experiential art education and mentorship with professional artists; and 3) utilize mural-making for the reparation and prevention of crime.

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Public Art Program
The City of Philadelphia 's Public Art Program, administered by the Department of Public Property consists of the Percent for Art Program and the Conservation and Collection Management Program. The Public Art Program is the centralized agency for all public art responsibilities including the selection, purchasing, commissioning, maintenance, preservation and day to day management of the Public Art collection. The Public Art Program also serves as liaison to facilitate communication between artists, City departments and the public.

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Avenue of the Arts, Inc.
Avenue of the Arts, Inc. (AAI) is the administering body for the Avenue of the Arts, Philadelphia 's premier cultural district, which is home to over 37 cultural organizations and venues. AAI's goal is to act as the catalyst for cultural and economic development for the Avenue of the Arts. The image of Philadelphia 's cultural district is maintained and expanded by AAI.

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Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
Established in 1972, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (GPCA) provides various services for the cultural community. The services include advocacy for the nonprofit cultural sector, the 5-County Arts Fund grant program, the Philly Fund Guide and a marketing campaign called “Campaign for Culture”, which is an initiative to increase cultural awareness and attendance.

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Greater Philadelphia Film Office
The Greater Philadelphia Film Office is a film commission that represents Southeastern Pennsylvania . Its goals are to attract film and video production to the Philadelphia area, act as a liaison between production and the community and increase the local film and video industry.

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Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation
The Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) is a nonprofit, private organization that serves as the official tourism marketing agency of Philadelphia. Its mission is to market Greater Philadelphia as a destination in order to increase the number of visitors to the area.

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Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PCVB) markets Philadelphia as a convention, meeting and tourist destination . PCVB's goal is to increase the number of conventions and leisure travelers to the city by marketing to national and international audiences.

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Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress
Formed in 1987, the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress (MAC) is a division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau. It aims at increasing the city's share of the multicultural convention and tourism markets.

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Philly Fun Guide
This guide, developed by the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, provides a listing of the current entertainment events for southeastern Pennsylvania . This calendar contains information for arts and culture events, festivals, parades, sporting events and outdoor activities. The guide also offers weekly half price discounts on a variety of entertainment events.

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