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WHEREAS, the arts and cultural sector in the Greater Pittsburgh area generates $33 million in local and state government revenue and accounts for $341.56 million in local economic activity; and
WHEREAS, local arts and cultural offerings have served as a major economic engine driving the revitalized reputation of the city, as well as a critical measure in the proclamation of the City of Pittsburgh as the most livable city in the United States by two separate publications; and
WHEREAS, local arts organizations provide educational programming to thousands of students in area schools; and
WHEREAS, the arts can provide a way to engage youth who are not being reached through traditional schooling, and studies show that arts aptitudes, skills and techniques are needed in all sectors of society in order to ensure a thriving 21st century workforce; and
WHEREAS, more than 250 arts organizations, community centers, and independent artists in neighborhoods throughout Pittsburgh and Allegheny County were recipients of support from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts in the past year; and
WHEREAS, the economic downturn has negatively impacted nonprofit arts organizations in several respects, leading to decreased support from corporate and philanthropic institutions and threatening low-cost and free arts opportunities for local families; and
WHEREAS, a loss of public funding for the arts would result in additional job loss within the city; threaten previous investments in the development of cultural destinations throughout the city; and negatively impact Pittsburgh restaurants, parking facilities, and varied companies that draw business from spending by arts organizations and patrons;
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NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh calls upon Governor Ed Rendell and the Pennsylvania state legislature to retain the original budget proposal of $14 million in grants through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and the Pennsylvania H...
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