Resolution 260481

..Title Calling for the expansion of equitable cultural opportunities for children enrolled in childcare facilities throughout the City of Philadelphia through membership access to the Art-Reach ACCESS Program, particularly during the summer season when the City welcomes visitors from around the world. ..Body WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia is home to a rich and diverse array of cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, gardens, and historic sites that contribute significantly to the educational and cultural development of young residents; and WHEREAS, The Art-Reach ACCESS Program provides free or deeply discounted admission to participating cultural institutions for eligible families, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that cost is not a barrier to cultural participation; and WHEREAS, Childcare facilities serve as critical access points for young children and families, and are uniquely positioned to connect children with enriching extracurricular and educational experiences; and WHEREAS, Expanding participation in the Art-Reach ACCESS Program among childcare providers would enable more children, especially those who may have never visited a museum or cultural site, to experience Philadelphia's world-class institutions; and WHEREAS, The summer season presents a particularly important opportunity for cultural engagement, as Philadelphia welcomes visitors from across the nation and globe, and local children should have equal opportunity to experience and take pride in the cultural assets of their own city; and WHEREAS, Early exposure to arts and culture has been shown to support cognitive development, creativity, social-emotional learning, and lifelong engagement in the arts; and WHEREAS, Increasing awareness and utilization of the Art-Reach ACCESS Program aligns with the City's broader goals of equity, education, and community enrichment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby urges collaboration between the City, cultural institutions, and early childhood providers to expand outreach efforts, particularly during the summer months, to maximize participation and impact and hereby calls upon child care facilities across the City to enroll in and actively participate in the Art-Reach ACCESS Program. FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Council encourages these facilities to provide families with information and assistance in obtaining ACCESS memberships, ensuring that children can take advantage of free or reduced admission to cultural institutions with their families as well. ..End