Academy of Natural Sciences Closure Spur Bill for Philly Arts Funding

Museum Closure

Drexel University closed the Academy of Natural Sciences museum at the end of September.

“I lost 26 years by not asking a question”

State Sen. Nikil Saval Proposes Bill

State Sen. Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) introduced legislation to increase Philadelphia's local sales tax for arts funding.

Bill Purpose

The bill would give Philadelphia authority to raise sales and use taxes, keeping revenue for cultural and community assets.

Funding Targets

Money could support museums, galleries, theaters, libraries, parks and recreation centers.

Saval's Statement

Saval said the bill would make a generational investment in arts and cultural institutions.

“We have an opportunity to make a generational investment in our arts and cultural institutions, parks, and civic space, preserving these treasured community assets and expanding public access”

Political Context

Democrats hold a trifecta in state government after midterm elections.

Past Closures

Saval noted University of the Arts closed two years ago and Philadelphia History Museum shuttered in 2018.

Historical Precedent

Pennsylvania passed a similar measure in 1993 for Allegheny County's Regional Asset District.

Allegheny RAD Impact

The Allegheny RAD has invested over $5.5 billion using half of a 1% local sales tax revenue.

Philadelphia's Tax Rate

Philadelphia's 8% combined state and local sales tax is the highest in Pennsylvania.

Public Arts Funding

Philadelphia ranks last in U.S. for public arts funding per resident.

Voter Support

84% of Philadelphia voters approved Creative Philadelphia under Home Rule Charter.

Opposition Concerns

Philadelphia is the poorest big city in the nation, making tax hikes harder to sell.

Task Force Resolution

City Council created a task force to study Academy of Natural Sciences museum reopening options.