Art-Reach expands accessible opportunities in the arts of Philadelphia

Here in Philadelphia, the LOVE sculpture might remind you of what you can offer others — or even yourself. Perhaps, while strolling through Center City, a surprising pop of street art sparked within you a new idea. Or, at the base of the “Rocky Steps,” you once stood ready to ascend with all your might into the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

While art is abundant, it also requires access. For those who might have difficulty navigating steps, large crowds, or need additional assistance, Art-Reach, a local non-profit that believes in the human right to access the arts without financial concerns, ensures that people with disabilities can equitably engage with arts and cultural spaces across the city.

“It’s quite expensive to visit museums, and most theaters often come with a hefty price tag. Art-Reach works to provide affordable opportunities for many people in our city to explore places they wouldn’t have been able to access otherwise,” said Director of Programs Alex Boyle.

Against the backdrop of Philadelphia, which has one of the largest populations of persons with disabilities nationally, Art-Reach’s initiative gains depth. With 12% of local individuals under 65 being disabled, Philly has a significantly larger disability community than other cities.

Creating accessible programs for the disabled community since 1986, Art-Reach’s team of disabled and non-disabled advocates ensures that anyone who identifies as having a disability can forge a relationship with the culture and the arts.

“Our approach benefits the entire arts and cultural community by expanding their audience to include those who might not have had the financial means to participate before. It’s a remarkable way to diversify and broaden the range of individuals engaging with the arts,” said Boyle.

A child playing with an interactive exhibition at The Franklin Institute. Courtesy of Art-Reach.

Opening doors to art and culture

Embarking on a journey back in time at the Betsy Ross House. Immersing in a sensory experience at the Please Touch Museum. Riding the wave of emotions at the Philadelphia Orchestra. Art-Reach makes them more accessible than ever.

How? With ACCESS by Art-Reach, a groundbreaking service designed to provide affordable access to over 80 museums, theaters, gardens, and cultural sites throughout Greater Philadelphia and Delaware.

Allison, a parent of children with disabilities, said, “It makes it so that I’m more likely to try new things with them. Using the ACCESS Program removes the risk from what could be quite costly. It pushes us to do things we wouldn’t have done.”

ACCESS is for low-income Pennsylvanians, with or without disabilities, who have a state ACCESS card or Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. It offers $2 admission to participating Pennsylvania museums.

However, if you don’t qualify for a state-funded ACCESS card but do identify as disabled, you can purchase an ACCESS by Art-Reach card for $75 online. Residency in Pennsylvania is not required, nor is a doctor’s note. While Art-Reach’s card doesn’t provide EBT benefits, it offers $2 admission to participating venues in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, and must be renewed annually.

What’s more, the program allows cardholders to bring up to three guests at a discounted rate, promoting shared cultural experiences and fostering a sense of community.

Visitors at The African American Museum in Philadelphia. Photo by Wide Eyed Studios. Courtesy of Art-Reach.

Advancing Philly’s access even further

Looking to the future, Art-Reach recently initiated Project 76, a three-year effort aimed at securing Philadelphia as the most accessible city in the U.S. for people with disabilities to independently engage with the arts. The organization successfully secured over $1 million in philanthropic funding for this transformative initiative, laying the foundation for a more inclusive arts and culture scene in Philadelphia by 2026.

“Project 76 helps organizations in our area better embrace disabled visitors. Collaborating with community leaders and gathering direct feedback from individuals with disabilities guides us in understanding their desires for arts engagement and specific changes in art spaces,” said Program Manager Alasia Destine-DeFreece.

Established by and for individuals with disabilities, Art-Reach continues to advocate that access to the arts is access to learning, creativity, and community.

“We share similar lived experiences with the people benefiting from the program,” said Director of Communications Julian Harper. “We’re always thinking about how we can make a space welcoming for our community and push our partners to do the same. Eventually, it paves the way for arts organizations to picture how those communities can be part of the programming. Once they’re in the mix, we can simply ask, ‘What do they need?’”

As those needs are met, Art-Reach will continue to inch curated spaces toward a more inclusive future where disabled and chronically ill people can challenge old ways of thinking, imagine better worlds, communicate in innovative ways, and express what’s most important to them.

For more information, visit Art-Reach.