Art has an unequivocal power to make a positive difference in the lives of many. 

Coupled with business, the two in tandem can transform individuals, neighborhoods, workforces, and our overall society. 

The Arts + Business Council of Greater Philadelphia is committed to fostering collaboration between the region’s creative and business communities.

“We see ourselves as a conduit between the exchange of ideas, points of connection and resource sharing between groups, communities, and individuals across the creative economy that would not otherwise cross paths,” said Liz Thompson, executive director of the Arts + Business Council of Greater Philadelphia. 

On Tuesday, May 23, the Arts + Business Council of Greater Philadelphia hosted its 38th annual Awards Celebration at the historic Moore College of Arts & Design in Center City. 

During this year’s event, the organization celebrated three projects that built sustainable pipelines for diverse creatives to showcase and expand their work. 

The first award was presented by PECO’s Director of Corporate and Community Impact Romona Riscoe Benson.

She presented WXPN, WRTI, and REC Philly with the Black Music City Award.

Leadership from the three organizations developed a collaborative grant-making project that seeks to support and amplify the voices of Black artists while also highlighting the rich history of Black music in Philadelphia. 

“Every day we work tirelessly to champion music and connect artists and audiences,” said WRTI General Manager Bill Johnson as he accepted the award.

Whether it’s on stage, on the air, or on the ground, the mission has remained consistent. However, the collaboration has helped lead to an expansion of that mission. 

“When the pandemic hit, and the shutdown of arts and culture in this region, we all realized how hard it was going to be for Philadelphia artists, and especially Black artists to get funding and we decided to do something about it,” said Roger LaMay, general manager of WXPN. 

Originally, the project was conceived as a one-year effort. However, upon seeing how deep the talent and how great the need was across the city, the decision was made to make it a multi-year effort, which is now in year three.

“At REC, we really pride ourselves on empowering creatives with the resources that they need to do more of what they love,” said Will Toms, co-founder and chief creative officer at REC Philly. 

REC Philly really runs the gamut in its support of creatives, and its partnership with WRTI and WXPN helps grow the emphasis on sharing the rich history of Black music across the region. 

“We're proud to show ourselves as another example of what it looks like when the private sector and the public sector come together for one mission to drive impact,” Toms concluded.

The second award was presented by Philadelphia Foundation’s executive director and senior advisor Diane Melley.

She presented the award to Mural Arts Philadelphia for its Fellowship for Black Artists. 

In partnership with TD Bank, the Fellowship for Black Artists is designed to fund, foster and elevate the work of emerging Black artists residing within Philadelphia. 

While Mural Arts Philadelphia has a long history of employing artists and bringing millions of dollars a year to the creative economy, there’s always room to do more. 

After the murder of George Floyd, a reflection point came and that became the goal. 

“We decided we wanted to have a fellowship program for Black artists because in the history of public art making in this country… it’s been very elitist,” said Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia. “And so, we try as much as possible to shift the paradigm.”

The program aims to elevate Black artists working in any medium with a stipend, a grant, and opportunities to expand their practice. 

“At Mural Arts, we have this motto, and it’s to beautify, inspire and empower,’ and we try to live that every day,” added Golden.

The Philadelphia Fellowship for Black Artists fits perfectly into that motto.

The third and final award was presented by Koleen Cavanaugh, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Independence Blue Cross. 

She presented the award to the Preservation Trades Center (PTC), a program for Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Inc. that hires underrepresented skilled workers and provide them with hands-on career training opportunities. 

The program is in collaboration with PowerCorpsPHL, Pullman Services, Rebuild Philadelphia, and International Masonry Institute. 

Tiffany Smith, director of workforce development for Rebuild, highlighted the impact Rebuild has been able to do, helping more than 20 Philadelphians gain exposure and opportunities in the masonry and carpentry industries.

“Through the rebuild program, the city has helped realize the vision to implore one of our city’s landmarks — Eastern State Penitentiary — as a path forward for Philadelphia residents and communities,” she said.  

Dan Organ, senior estimator at Pullman Services, said that the construction industry is at a critical moment in time. 

“Experts agree that the shortage in the preservation and masonry workers, and nearly 20% of all construction in this country is through rehabilitation,” he said. 

“The Preservation Trade Center is a strong step towards addressing this situation by providing not only an introduction to the skilled trades, but also important teaching around workplace culture, conflict resolution and personal growth,” Organ added. 

With Philadelphia’s distinctions as the most economically challenged large city in the nation and with among the highest incarceration rates, partnerships like this are critical.

“We’re creating a pipeline to careers with living wages, benefits, and stability,” said Seth Degginger, work-based learning manager at PowerCorpsPHL.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Marc Helberg, Arts + Business Council board chair. 

He praised the extended reach he’s seen the organization obtain in providing access to its members, and its continuous support for those doing impactful work in the arts and business landscape.