Category art

FringeArts is making an economic impact through reuse

 
What a cool project, and it’s coming Fall 2013.

An abandoned pumping station, where Columbus Blvd and Race St meet, is about to undergo a $7M renovation. The goal is to transform the existing property from a vacant, historic, industrial building, to a thriving, music/arts destination.

Here are some of the details:

    • 800 sq ft of rehearsal space

 

    • 240 seat theater

 

    • 125 seat restaurant/bar

 

    • Offices for FringeArts’ staff

 

  • Available space for art shows, and the like

Not bad at all.

Philadelphia is already highly regarded as one of the Top Cities in the US for art and art culture. FringeArts’ new HQ will only add more value to that distinctive brand.

I can’t help but think that Philadelphia’s solid investment in the Race Street Pier is really helping spur additional development along this section of the Delaware River Waterfront.

FA HQ is just one more example, and I’m sure others will follow suit.

Philly is 1st in Arts & Culture

That is, in jobs and job creation.

Although if all of the regular readers remember, Philadelphia was also ranked #1 in “Top US Cities for Culture,” but that is a separate discussion altogether. Now, we’re talking about jobs, tourism, and economic impact.

Here are some of the highlights:

  • $3.3 Billion impact
  • 11 arts/culture jobs for every 1,000 residents
  • $500 Million in combined income
  • Tourists for cultural events spend almost $240 Million (just on meals before/after)

There are more numbers to discuss, but you get the idea. Bottom line, Philadelphia creates jobs through art. Know it, embrace it, and spread the word to all of your out-of-town friends/family.

In Philadelphia, which one will it be?

Technology | Sustainability | Food | The Arts
That’s a great question, and it’s also why I posted this.
Philadelphia has always been known as a city of firsts. The First Zoo, First Stock Exchange, First Skyscraper, First University, and the First Library. It’s really amazing once you stop and think about how many successful concepts that our country (and other developing countries) thrive on, and that got their start in Philadelphia.
But as a city that’s now over 300 years old, Philadelphia is constantly reinventing itself. The problem is that things change so fast these days that it’s hard to know what our focus should be. The good news is that Philadelphia is strong in many prominent categories, so it gives us the opportunity to pick and choose which direction might work best.
Here are 4 areas of focus:
  1. Technology
  2. Sustainability
  3. Food
  4. The Arts 

I could spend a lot more time talking up these different sectors, but this article is a great way to read and learn more about what Philly’s new booming industry will be.