Agenda:• Why we need a unified message• What we learned in our research • The message & engagement

strategy• Discussion & breakouts • Next Steps

Our Need:

Finding the right message

A message for:

• Consumers• Community Activists• Civic & Business Leaders • Policymakers

photo credit: Abington Art Center

Goal: Everyone understands why arts and culture are essential

Why?

If arts and culture are seen as essential we will have stronger support

We will be seen as an investment, not as a donation

The research:

• Review of regional research• Interviews with the community • Analysis of both• Development of message

Finding:

Consistent perception on strengths and challenges

Strength:

Philadelphia’s arts have the power to elevate the lives of individuals

Strength:

Philadelphia’s arts have the power to educate children & help them understand their place in the world

photo credit: Philadelphia Zoological Society

Strength:

Philadelphia’s arts are uniquelyits own and strongly owned

Strength:

Philadelphia’s arts are an economic engine for renewal and growth

photo credit: Philadelphia Live Arts & Philly Fringe

Strength:

Philadelphia’s arts help individuals and communities come together

Challenge:

Policymakers believe in the arts but don’t hear about it from voters

Challenge:

Local leaders seek resources for community growth.

They see arts and culture as a resource…

Challenge:

…but they don’t feel connected to the arts and culture community

Challenge:

Artists & cultural organizations want a vital arts community that grows stronger in content, support and revenue.

The Common Challenge:

Everyone shared a set of needs: resources for vitality and growth

The Answer:

Vital arts and culture = Growth i

personal

i

community

i

economic

We need to deliver a consistent message about the power of arts and culture

photo credit: Philadelphia Magic Gardens

The message:

Arts and culture are a vital resource for personal, community and economic growth

It’s an engine foreconomic growth

photo credit: Mann Center for the Performing Arts

It has the power to elevate lives

photo credit: Taller Puertorriqueño

It has the power to educate

photo credit: Fleisher Art Memorial

It helps individuals come together and grow as a community

We own it because it comes from us

photo credit: First Person Arts

Questions and comments:

What do you think?

How to use it:• Focus on the spirit of the strengths

• Use them according to audience priorities

• Use data & your own stories to illustrate each strength

Community engagement

Community Engagement Team

Your turn

It’s an engine for economic growth.

It has the power to elevate lives.

It has the power to educate.

We own it because it comes from us.

It helps individuals come together and grow as a community.

www.philaculture.org/grow