ArtsWatch

More than 1.400 arts leaders and supporters will gather in Philadelphia June 20-22 as Americans for the Arts, a national cultural lobbying, policy and service organization, holds its annual convention here.
"Visitors to the convention will discover a historically rich city that has evolved into one of the most exciting, vibrant arts communities in the country,” said Peggy Amsterdam, president of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, the convention's local host.
Convention attendees will hear about the role the arts are playing in the presidential election and visit public art projects.This year marks the 50th anniversary of the city's percent-for-art programs, which require developers to spend a percentage of their construction costs on public art. Philadelphia's percent programs, run by the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and the city, were the first such programs instituted in the country.
“In this historic election year, we are delighted to have this most important cultural policy conversation happening here in Philadelphia under the leadership of Americans for the Arts and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance,” said Olive Mosier, director of Arts and Culture at the William Penn Foundation.
Futurist Andrew Zolli will deliver the keynote address on June 21.
- Stephan Salisbury