As the Philly cultural community gears up for yet another financial fight -- the mayor's proposed budget once again seems to relegate the arts to a sliver of city dollars -- I wanted to get some answers on how the funding really stands. I spoke with Creative Philadelphia chief cultural officer Val Gay and Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance president and CEO Patricial Wilson Aden and I learned a lot. I'll be sharing that with BSR readers soon, along with tips for taking action.
This week, our writers are bringing you coverage of Opera Philadelphia, finishing a historic sold-out season (Cameron Kelsall's Don Giovanni review is mixed), the latest from PHILADANCO!, a fascinating new show at the Museum for Art in Wood, and a look at new accessibility programs that make it easier for disabled theater-lovers to enjoy the show. Plus, Pamela Forsythe heads to a new exhibition all about the ordinary people who lived in Philly during the Revolution. The show is crammed with documents and artifacts and is sure to immerse lovers of history, or anyone who wants to find out everything we have in common with the ordinary revolutionaries of the past.
Philly continues to be a place where the people call for a just government. In recent weeks, pro-democracy rallies have drawn thousands to City Hall and Old City, and another huge rally is brewing for tomorrow (May 1) at 4pm at City Hall, with speakers including Senator Bernie Sanders. If you are protesting this week, stay safe.
Kyle will be with you tomorrow, and then look out on Friday for the May edition of BSR in the Wild, exclusive tips for our subscribers on where our team is headed next month.
Alaina Johns
BSR editor-in-chief
