In 1986 Art-Reach entered the Philadelphia arts arena with a mission that would touch the lives of thousands of people. Our goal: to bring the arts-in all their splendor and diversity-to audiences who otherwise might not have the opportunity. It began with a simple premise. There were many unused tickets for performing and visual arts events. There were also many people who never had the opportunity to see a play or go to a museum. Why not provide a central organization to bridge the gap between the two?

Since then, Art-Reach has obtained over 187,000 donated and discounted tickets from over 125 ticket donors and distributed them to over 150 human service agencies serving special-needs audiences. These audiences include individuals with physical or mental disabilities, the elderly in need, consumers of domestic violence or recovery programs, and clients with economic disadvantages.

Art-Reach has received the Small Business-Arts Partnership Award and the Special Recognition for Management Excellence Award from the Arts and Business Council of Greater Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts has recognized Art-Reach as a "Keystone of Accessibility," and Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street proclaimed September 11, 2000, as "Access the Arts Day" in recognition of Art-Reach and the Access Guide. Art-Reach has also received the Suzanne Bacal Spirit of Advocacy Award from the Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities and the Disability Awareness Award from Inglis House.