Significant grant money will help expand IATSE Local No. 8’s facilities.
State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler and state Sen. Nikil Saval announced a $1.5 million grant on March 13 at IATSE headquarters at 2401 S. Swanson St., that will be allocated for an expansion of the union’s training center.
IATSE represents more than 800 stagehands and other behind-the-scenes workers in the entertainment industry, including trade show workers, audio visual technicians, riggers, stage carpenters, stage electric and sound. The union was created in 1893 and is known as one of the oldest unions in the country, having represented workers for more than 130 years. IATSE is not only the largest union in the industry.
“IATSE Local No. 8 members are the stagehands behind the live events we love, including theater, parades and the concerts that happen at the stadiums,” said Fiedler. “This $1.5-million state grant will help them prepare more Philadelphians for the union jobs that make our city a beloved hub for arts and culture. I can’t think of a better use of public funds.”
In its current facilities, IATSE Local No. 8 provides training and educational opportunities to entertainment industry workers throughout the Philadelphia area. According to officials, the grant money will be used to expand the current facilities with new, state-of-the-art classroom space to ensure that workers and apprentices receive the proper support and training they need to thrive in this rapidly changing industry.
The expansion facilitated by the grant will include new facilities to house additional educational space for new and current workers, including technical certifications necessary. Funds will be used for state-of-the-art equipment and construction.
The funds awarded to IATSE Local No. 8 come through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, a state grant administered by the Office of the Budget. Projects funded through RACP must have a widespread impact and generate increases in or maintenance of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity. IATSE easily checked those boxes.
“IATSE members work day in and day out to make Philadelphia a world-class arts and entertainment center,” Saval said. “These funds will allow the union to expand their facilities to train current workers and build and support the next generations of workers who follow. The new facilities will offer a modern space where they can gain the knowledge that allows them to do their jobs safely, effectively, and expertly. By investing in these incredible workers, we’re supporting Philadelphia’s cultural and arts sectors to flourish.”
