Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Our struggling public schools and arts ed programs need $105 million to survive next year. Join GroundSwell and PCCY's Piccasso Project in giving City Council the tools to paint a better picture for our students and teachers.

The PCCY Picasso Project mission is two-fold: First, give small grants between $500 and $5,000 to support teachers at Philadelphia public elementary, middle and high schools in implementing high quality, innovative arts projects. Second, advocate on a number of levels (local through federal) for increased funding for arts education for these schools.

The sad reality of our public schools shows that of the 218 schools in the School District of Philadelphia:

174 have a visual art teacher
145 have a music teacher
There are only 25 school based instrumental music teachers
Many art/music teachers do not have their own classrooms and must travel from room to room each day
Many art/music teachers are asked to substitute for other teachers/subjects
2/3 of arts teachers do not have a budget

However, we know that when young people have access to public arts education they:

Develop their imaginations and decision-making skills
Participate and improve in English Language Learning
Attend school and succeed in STEM classes
Become involved in their communities and local politics
Exhibit historical empathy and concern for social justice
Achieve higher scores on the SAT
Graduate college and gain employment

We are calling on our GroundSwell advocates to help support this important cause. Here is how you can support:

Sign the petition to tell City Council they must fund strong arts education programs in Philadelphia public schools
Use #PHLArtsEd to tweet messages of support on the Action Days (May 27th, June 4th and June 11th) and let City Council (@PHLCouncil) know why arts education is important to our children! Let's flood Twitter with arts ed advocacy messages and make #PHLArtsEd trend!

PCCY Arts Education Advocacy Days in City Hall