Creative Philadelphia

Creative Philadelphia Creative Philadelphia is the City of Philadelphia's office of arts and culture.

The Office of Arts, Culture and The Creative Economy (OACCE) closes the gap in access to quality cultural experiences and creative expression through the support and promotion of arts, culture and the creative industries; connects Philadelphians to enriching, arts-infused experiences; links local artists and cultural organizations to resources and opportunities; and preserves the City’s public art assets.

Come celebrate "Mushroom Seating" at Paschalville Library! Creative Philadelphia invites the community to join us for th...
09/25/2026

Come celebrate "Mushroom Seating" at Paschalville Library!

Creative Philadelphia invites the community to join us for the dedication of "Mushroom Seating,” a Percent for Art project by nationally recognized artist Joshua Sarantitis, created for the Paschalville and Elmwood communities. This colorful mosaic seating installation will serve as a place to gather, read, create, and connect.

• Date: October 15, 2026
• Dedication Remarks: 2:00 P.M. - 2:45 P.M.
• Children's reading activating the "Mushroom Seating": 2:45 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
• Drop-in art workshop with artist Joshua Sarantitis: 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.

All are welcome to join us for any or all the afternoon's activities.

Independent artists, this is your reminder! There's still time to join us for a special webinar just for independent art...
09/23/2026

Independent artists, this is your reminder!

There's still time to join us for a special webinar just for independent artists and share your voice on Philadelphia's first Cultural Master Plan.

Last year, Philadelphians across all 10 City Council districts shared their ideas and vision for the future of arts and culture in our city. That community input helped shape the draft plan, and now we want to hear from you before it becomes final.

Join us Monday, September 28 at 12:00 P.M. for a 90-minute online webinar to learn more about the draft plan, ask questions, and share whether it reflects what you meant.

Date: Monday, September 28
Time: 12:00 P.M.
Location: Online Via Zoom

Can't attend live? Register anyway to receive the recording and submit questions.

RSVP for the Independent Artist webinar: bit.ly/4caDZcU

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the panel discussion and reception celebrating "A Federal Job in the Arts - CETA...
09/22/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the panel discussion and reception celebrating "A Federal Job in the Arts - CETA and Philadelphia in the 1970s"!

We're grateful to the artists, historians, cultural leaders, curators, and community members who came together to reflect on the legacy of CETA, Philadelphia's Visual Artists in Public Service (VAPS) program, and the role of public investment in the arts.

A special thank you to Blaise Tobia and Virginia Maksymowicz of the CETA Arts Legacy Project for curating this important exhibition.

Location: Creative Philadelphia Art Gallery, Room 116, Philadelphia City Hall
On View: Through October 23, 2026

Public Art Spotlight: "Weaver's Knot: Sheet Bend" Stop by "Weaver's Knot: Sheet Bend", by Benjamin Ball, a striking addi...
09/22/2026

Public Art Spotlight: "Weaver's Knot: Sheet Bend"

Stop by "Weaver's Knot: Sheet Bend", by Benjamin Ball, a striking addition to Philadelphia's Public Art collection located along the Delaware River Trail.

Location: 121 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.

Commissioned through Creative Philadelphia's Percent for Art program and installed in 2022, this large-scale sculpture is inspired by the weaver's knot and sheet bend knot, two types of knots used to join ropes together, symbolizing connection, strength, and collaboration. Constructed from stainless steel spheres, steel cables, and painted steel poles, the artwork creates a bold visual landmark along the waterfront.

Whether you're taking a walk, riding your bike, or spending the day along the River Trail, we invite you to stop by and experience "Weaver's Knot" in person. While you're there, snap a photo, bring a friend, and discover one of the many incredible works that make up Philadelphia's Public Art collection.

Tell us what you think in the comments!

Reminder Philadelphia! There's still time to share your voice on the future of arts and culture in our city. Philadelphi...
09/18/2026

Reminder Philadelphia! There's still time to share your voice on the future of arts and culture in our city.

Philadelphia's first Cultural Master Plan is almost here. Before the plan is finalized, we're bringing the draft back to the community for one more opportunity to learn, ask questions, and share feedback.

Last year, Philadelphians across all 10 City Council districts shared their ideas and vision for arts and culture. That community input helped shape the plan and how we want to make sure the draft reflects what you meant.

Join us for a 90-minute online public webinar to learn more about the draft plan and share your thoughts.

Upcoming Public Webinars:

Tuesday, September 29 | 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
Thursday, October 1 | 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
Thursday, October 8 | 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.
Thursday, October 15 | 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

Independent artists: don't forget to join the webinar specifically for independent artists on Monday, September 28 at 12:00 P.M.

All sessions cover the same material, so choose the date that works best for you. Can't attend live? Register anyway to receive the recording and submit questions.

RSVP for an online public webinar: bit.ly/4zHHFNl
RSVP for an independent webinar: bit.ly/4caDZcU

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the reception celebrating "A+ Art Student Art Exhibition at City Hall! Presented...
09/17/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the reception celebrating "A+ Art Student Art Exhibition at City Hall!

Presented through Creative Philadelphia's Art in City Hall program in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia's Office of Creative Arts & Learning, this annual exhibition celebrates the transformative power of arts education and the creativity of Philadelphia's young artists.

We're grateful to the students, educators, practicing artists, community partners, and everyone who came out to celebrate the incredible artwork featured in this year's exhibition.

Featuring painting, printmaking, ceramics, mixed media, and more, A+ Art Showcases the work of students and art teachers from six Philadelphia Public Schools and highlights the important role arts education plays in helping young people thrive.

Location: 5th Floor Hallway, NE Corner, Philadelphia City Hall
On View: Through November 30, 2026

We invite you to visit City Hall and experience the creativity of Philadelphia's young artists and the educators who inspire them!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the reception celebrating "Passport Through the Caribbean: Art & Artifacts Repre...
09/16/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the reception celebrating "Passport Through the Caribbean: Art & Artifacts Representing Caribbean Life Through the Four Pillars"!

Presented through Creative Philadelphia's Art In City Hall program in partnership with the City's Office of Immigrant Affairs and Caribbean Affairs, this exhibition celebrates Caribbean life and culture through four pillars: Family, Food, Fun, and Faith.

We're grateful to the artists, community partners, organizers, and everyone who came out to experience and celebrate the vibrant stories, traditions, and cultures represented throughout the exhibition.

Featuring paintings, photographs, prints, cultural artifacts, and more, "Passport Through the Caribbean" offers a look at the many ways Caribbean culture continues to shape Philadelphia's communities.

Location: 1st Floor, SW Corner, Philadelphia City Hall
On View: Through October 23, 2026

We invite you to visit the exhibition and continue celebrating Caribbean culture and community with us!

We're kicking off National Arts in Education Week at City Hall! Join Creative Philadelphia tonight, September 14, from ...
09/14/2026

We're kicking off National Arts in Education Week at City Hall!

Join Creative Philadelphia tonight, September 14, from 5-7 P.M. as we celebrate three students' art exhibitions and the creativity, talent, and imagination of Philadelphia's young artists.

We're proud to partner with the Office of Councilmember Kendra Brooks, the School District of Philadelphia's Office of Creative Arts & Learning, and Children's Scholarship Fund Philadelphia to celebrate the important role art education plays in helping young people thrive.

We also want to thank Blick Art Materials for its longstanding support of A+ Art. Since 2010, Blick has contributed more than $150,000 in art supplies and gift cards to support Philadelphia students and educators.

Location: Philadelphia City Hall
Date: Monday, September 14, 2026
Time: 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M.

Come explore the exhibitions and celebrate the students, educators, and partners who help make arts education accessible across Philadelphia!

Now On View: "A+ Art Student Art Exhibition at City Hall" In celebration of National Arts in Education Week, Creative Ph...
09/11/2026

Now On View: "A+ Art Student Art Exhibition at City Hall"

In celebration of National Arts in Education Week, Creative Philadelphia's Art In City Hall program, in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia's Office of Creative Arts & Learning, presented the annual "A+ Art Student Art Exhibition at City Hall".

Since 2010, A+ Art has highlighted the transformative power of arts and education and the important role creativity plays in providing young people with a well-rounded and enriching education.

This year's exhibition celebrates the work of students and their art teachers, who are also practicing artists, from six Philadelphia public schools. The exhibition features paintings, prints, ceramics, mixed media, and more, showcasing the creativity and talent of Philadelphia's students and educators.

On View: September 11th through November 30th, 2026
Location: 5th Floor Hallway, NE Corner, Philadelphia City Hall
Reception: Monday, September 14, 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M., Conversation Hall, Room 201.

Sponsored by Blick Art Materials, a longtime supporter of A+ Art.

Stop by City Hall to experience the creativity of Philadelphia's young artists and celebrate the teachers who help inspire their creative journeys.

Update: Work begins Friday, September 11, at the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps to prepare for the permanen...
09/09/2026

Update: Work begins Friday, September 11, at the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps to prepare for the permanent installation of the City’s Rocky statue.

The steps will remain open during construction. However, visitors will not be able to access the statue while work is underway. Rocky will remain visible from behind barricades.

Construction is expected to take about two weeks, with permanent installation anticipated by the end of September.

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116 City Hall
Philadelphia, PA
19107

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+12156868446

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