News The proposed ballot measure would ensure that the office is immune from administrative overhauls.

October 28, 2026 — 2 min read

Ann Northrup's "Pride and Progress" (2003) in Philadelphia's Gayborhood (photo Robinlsadorable via Wikimedia Commons , CC BY 4.0 )

Philadelphians can help establish a permanent arts and culture office in their city this Election Day, November 3.

The ballot measure would ensure that Creative Philadelphia, the name of the arts and culture office under Mayor Cherelle Parker, is immune to overhauls from current or future mayoral administrations. Since its establishment by Mayor Wilson W. Goode in 1984, the office has delivered grants to artists, managed public arts spaces, and operated free cultural events in the city.

Yet it has also been subject to the different whims and policies of a spate of mayors.…