Ciresi named Arts and Entertainment subcommittee chair

HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, has been appointed to serve as a subcommittee chair within the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee for the 2021-22 legislative session.

Ciresi will be Democratic Chairman of the Subcommittee on Arts and Entertainment after a recommendation from Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery, who was recently named Democratic chair of the Tourism and Recreational Development Committee. House Democratic Leader Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila., approved the recommendation.

“I am excited to start in this new role because I truly believe in the potential of the arts in driving our economy, supporting jobs and attracting tourism,” Ciresi said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to spread awareness of the wealth of Pennsylvania’s activities, promote Pennsylvania to both out-of-state and in-state tourists, and support the artistic, cultural and historical industries that make our state diverse and unique.”

Ciresi added that tourism is Pennsylvania’s second-largest industry, with travelers and tourists spending $45 billion each year while supporting half a million Pennsylvania jobs.

In addition to this new role, Ciresi serves on the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and is a Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Film Caucus. Ciresi previously hosted a hearing of the House Democratic Policy Committee on the economic impact of the arts and co-hosted a hearing with former Rep. Maria Donatucci on Pennsylvania’s film tax credit – a hearing that was headlined by filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan.

First elected in November 2018 to represent the 146th Legislative District in Montgomery County, Ciresi’s professional experience includes being director of sales and promotions for 16 years at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

He has remained active in his community as a former board member of the Community Music School in Trappe and previously serving on the steering committee of the Steel River Playhouse in Pottstown, where he also performs.

For more information, contact Ciresi’s office at (484) 200-8265.