Economic Development Through Arts + Culture

Policy Committee    April 30, 2025

READING, April 30 – Arts and culture remains a vehicle for change in Pennsylvania’s communities, transforming and reimagining buildings vacated by businesses and industry. They also have a track record of being an economic engine, driving job creation and revitalizing cities and towns throughout the state. The House Majority Policy Committee hosted a roundtable discussion on the economic impact of arts and culture and toured the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. 

• Host: Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D-Berks)
• Testifiers:
  • Levi Landis- Executive Director, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts
  • Susan Rohn- Executive Director, Yocum Institute for Arts Education
  • Cammie Harris- Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director, Reading Film Office
  • Daniel Egusquiza- Founder, Executive Director, Barrio Alegría
  • Brian Adams- Owner, The Art Room
  • Josephina Encarnacion- Owner, La Rocina Atelier
  • Cory Varona-Corniel- Owner, OCOA Beauty
  • Aries Franklin- Poet, The Poet Smiley

Agenda + Testimony

• Hearing agenda and testimony: Economic Development Through Arts + Culture

Media Release + News Coverage

• Arts and culture breathing new economic life into PA communities, April 30, 2025
• BCTV, Arts and Culture Breathing New Economic Life Into PA Communities, May 2, 2025

Video + Photos

• Click here to view the entire hearing
• Click here to view photos of the hearing