GPCA Report Finds Cultural Diversity Amongst Philadelphia Theatergoers

The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance has published a report tracking a significant increase in the diversity amoongst Philadelphia theatergoers. The report notes that African-Americans and Hispanics account for the largest level of cultural involvement.

The report compiled information on demographic trends by region and cultural activity amongst residents of Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

Philadelphia has long been noted for presenting culturally diverse theatre. However, as noted by Philadelphia Weekly, there are few theatre companies in the area presenting an entire season of theatre that feature all African-American or Hispanic companies.

This report comes after Governor Rendell announced last week about his plan to tax tickets to performing arts events, as previously reported. The report, entitled "Research Into Action: Pathways to New Opportunities," was paid for by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Greg Rowe, Director of Culture Initiatives for The Pew Charitable Trusts, announced their plans to "support the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance's efforts to increase cultural participation in our region."

Click here to read the comprehensive findings from the report.

The report is a part of GPCA's push to double cultural involvement in the arts by 2020, called Engage 2020."Engage 2020 focuses on three key strategies: conducting groundbreaking research on emerging trends in cultural participation; providing seed capital and marketing support to cultural organizations for innovative planning and product development; and developing consumer focused marketing services."

The Cultural Alliance was established in 1972 by nine Philadelphia cultural institutions to coordinate historical and cultural activities for the Bicentennial Celebration. It was subsequently incorporated as a membership organization for cultural organizations to discuss and resolve issues of mutual concern. Over time, the Alliance's offerings have grown to include programs and services in marketing, policy and advocacy, grantmaking, research, and health and employee benefits and its impact reaches 375 member organizations as well as the region as a whole.

Since 2000, the Cultural Alliance has transformed itself into a leadership organization that helps shape major regional policy decisions, increases public engagement in arts and culture, and ensures that culture is a key element of Philadelphia's renaissance. The Cultural Alliance has made significant contributions to the cultural sector of the region and has become one of the leading cultural alliances in the country.