The Office of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy’s (OACCE) Neighborhood Arts Program (NAP) provides funding to annually support more than 100 free, family-friendly arts activities or events in Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. These neighborhood arts programs include theatrical and musical performances, film screenings, dance instruction, children’s art making workshops, and much more.

OACCE is providing $500 grants, $1000 grants, and $1500 grants to produce free cultural events in Philadelphia. Applicants must select the category of funding they are applying for. The amount requested should be proportionate to the size, impact, and number of artists supported by the cultural event. Funding must be used to pay artists, and all funding recipients must be Philadelphia County residents.

Who Can Apply: 

• Artists (Ex: musician, puppeteer, dancer)
• Arts / Cultural Organizations (Ex: cultural heritage group, cultural institution, arts center)
• Cultural Event Producers (Ex: festival organizer)
• Civic Leaders (Ex: block captain, member of a neighborhood association)

Neighborhood Arts Program Event Requirements

• Free to the public
• Located in Philadelphia County
• Funds support Philadelphia based artists and/or cultural organizations
• Have a live / interactive component
• Plan to market and promote the event in the neighborhood
• Certificate of Insurance (COI) 
• Complete a post-event survey to provide event documentation and demographic data

Funding Deadline and Application Timeline

Applications will be reviewed on a monthly basis. Applications must be submitted 6 weeks prior to the start of the month to be consider. 

• Deadline of May 1st for events in June
• Deadline of May 22nd for events in July
• Deadline of June 20th for events in August
• Deadline of July 24th for events in September
• Deadline of August 21st for events in October
• Deadline of September 25th for events in November

Funding notifications will be sent out the week following each month’s application deadline. 

 Questions? Review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page or contact creativephl@gmail.com.

What is Art in City Hall

The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy (OACCE) invites Philadelphia’s cultural community to present proposals to exhibit art in display cases on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors of historic City Hall.

Art in City Hall is an exhibits program that transforms the public corridors of City Hall into a platform for the arts. It provides an opportunity for Philadelphia’s diverse cultural organizations  to present their artistic expressions and utilize the visual arts to amplify community voices, foster healing and community dialogue in the most important civic building in the city – The People’s Building. The program is committed to presenting a wide range of ideas and artistic explorations to showcase the important role the arts play in our communities.

Eligibility

Local nonprofits and cultural organizations are invited to submit proposals. Collaborations between organizations and other partners, such as with local schools are welcomed, but one organization needs to lead the application process. Artists do not have to live in Philadelphia but including artists from the region is strongly encouraged. Artists can be self-taught or professionally trained.

We do not present solo exhibitions and encourage the organizations to select enough artists to utilize all the display cases in City Hall.

Exhibition Locations

12 exhibit display cases are located on the Second, Third, and Fourth Floors of City Hall near the offices of the Mayor, City Council, and City Council Chambers.

Exhibition Dates

There are four exhibit opportunities year round.

• May – July
• August – October
• November – January
• February - April

Exhibition Installation and Programming

Participating organizations are expected to deliver and install the exhibition and supply all exhibition hardware and printed materials. They are also expected to plan ONE educational program that complements the exhibition. OACCE may assist the partner organizations in the development and coordination of the exhibit programming, but the organization is responsible for all expenses for the events.

City Hall Hours

City Hall is open to the public Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and closed on weekends and holidays. Visitors must sign in at the Northeast corner Visitor’s Entrance, have personal belongings checked, and follow COVID protocols.

Thank you for your interest in the Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy’s (OACCE) Neighborhood Arts Programs.

The Call for Creative Talent is a registry of cultural organizations, ensembles, arts groups and individual artists to submit their interest in participating in Neighborhood Arts Programs. By registering with the Call for Creative Talent, you will ensure you receive any opportunities from OACCE’s Neighborhood Arts Programs.

OACCE provides Neighborhood Arts Programs through Creative Avenues, Culture in Neighborhoods, and the Call for Creative Talent. Through these initiatives, OACCE supports local artists and arts organizations to present free, family-friendly cultural activities in public spaces throughout Philadelphia’s neighborhoods. These neighborhood arts programs include theatrical and musical performances, film screenings, dance instruction, art making, and much more.

Questions? Email creativephl@gmail.com.