Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance was founded in 1972 by several leading Philadelphia cultural institutions. The leaders of these organizations originally came together in early 1972 to coordinate historical and cultural events for the bicentennial celebration of 1976. From these interactions an idea evolved to band together permanently to share mutual concerns and solve common problems among Philadelphia area cultural institutions. Through its sponsorship of numerous programs and activities, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance also sought to arouse public awareness, participation and financial support for the humanities, arts and sciences in the Delaware Valley region.

The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (GPCA) was founded in 1972 by nine leading Philadelphia cultural institutions: The Academy of Natural Sciences, The Franklin Institute, The Free Library of Philadelphia, The Library Company of Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Philadelphia Orchestra Association and the Philadelphia Zoological Garden. The leaders of these cultural institutions originally came together in early 1972 to coordinate historical and cultural events for the Bicentennial Celebration of 1976. As their discussion progressed, the idea of banding together permanently to pursue common causes evolved.

The goals of GPCA were to share mutual concerns and solve problems among Philadelphia area cultural istitutions; to collect and disseminate information to members; to achieve new levels of public awareness and participation in cultural activities; to nurture the aesthetic and physical environment; and to develop support for the arts, humanities and sciences in the Delaware Valley region.