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HARRISBURG, PA – March 19, 2024 − Today, members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Arts and Culture Caucus gathered to celebrate “Arts Advocacy Day” along with Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania, a nonprofit advocacy group.
The four co-chairs of the caucus – Senator Jay Costa, Senator Pat Stefano, Representative R. Lee James, and Representative Joe Ciresi – joined advocates to praise the artists who contribute their talents to their communities, and called for continued investments in arts and culture in order to boost local economies, tourism, and downtown revitalization.
“There’s power in numbers and it’s so encouraging to see advocates from all corners of Pennsylvania come to the capitol to shine light on the vast impact of the arts,” said Senator Pat Stefano. “Support for the arts provides an opportunity for economic growth, as the arts touch multiple industries across the commonwealth. An investment in local art is an investment in our local businesses, so funding creative endeavors propels our economy to thrive.”
“I’m honored to add my voice to the chorus of leaders and activists lifting up our artists,” said Senator Jay Costa. “Supporting the arts means supporting our communities, our economies, and our families. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the legislature to continue supporting those advancing arts and culture in Pennsylvania.”
“The arts are an essential part of our lives and the fabrication of our world,” said Rep Ciresi. “We must continue to support our local art organizations, not only for the goodness of our souls but for the economic impact they bring into our society.”
“The Arts inspire,” said Rep. R. Lee James. “The Arts provide cultural knowledge for future generations. The Arts are ageless.”
“PA CultureCheck, our study with Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, highlights the innovation and creativity of Pennsylvania’s cultural organizations and their need for additional support as they face ongoing economic challenges and changing audiences,” says Laurie Zierer, executive Director of PA Humanities.
“Pennsylvania’s vast arts and culture community are facing multiple challenges of increased operational and programming costs, changes in attendance and uncertain revenue streams. Now is the time for increased state support to stabilize creativity, tourism, and arts education across the Commonwealth,” said Mitch Swain, Citizens for the Arts in PA
Footage of today’s presser is accessible here.
More information about the caucus is available at PAArtsCultureCaucus.com.
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