Philadelphia Mayor Reinstates Culture Office

PHILADELPHIA—Mayor Michael Nutter has reinstated Philadelphia's office of arts, culture and creative economy, cut four years ago by then-Mayor John Street, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. Gary Steuer, former vice president of the New York–based Americans for the Arts, will serve as the city's chief cultural officer.

"We are very serious about arts and culture and the creative economy here in Philadelphia," said Nutter, who was given a standing ovation by the more than 200 members of the arts community that attended yesterday's announcement. "Art and culture are not just about pretty pictures and performances . . . it is also an economic development tool, a tremendous asset for the city."

Nutter also re-established the city's cultural advisory council, which will advise the administration on issues related to arts and culture, reports the Philadelphia Business Journal. The council will be headed up by Joe Kluger, associate principal at the arts consulting firm WolfBrown.