When the citywide Knight Arts Challenge opened to the Philadelphia arts community, a record-breaking 1,752 people responded. Last week, 63 finalists were named for their best idea for the arts in Philadelphia. In fact, Philadelphians set a record for number of submissions in a single year for the challenge that originated in Miami in 2008.

The challenge is a new three-year, $9 million initiative to fund the best ideas for the arts in Philadelphia. Building on the momentum of the city’s vibrant arts scene, the Knight Arts Challenge seeks out innovative projects to inspire and enrich Philadelphia’s communities by asking one simple question: What’s your best idea for the arts in Philadelphia?

“We opened this question to the entire community, and we were wowed by the response we received,” says Dennis Scholl, Knight Foundation’s vice president/arts. “We’re looking forward to deepening this conversation about the arts with Philadelphia residents as we continue the challenge over the next three years.”

The challenge is comprised of three rules: The idea must be about art, must take place in or benefit Philadelphia, and winners must find funds (within a year) to match Knight Foundation’s grant. Applications were open to anyone in the region and were accepted online at KnightArts.org. The African American Museum in Philadelphia and the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra were among finalists, which include museums, dance and theater companies, community groups and individual artists.

“The number and quality of the ideas submitted clearly illustrate Philadelphia’s vibrant creativity and its passion for the arts, ” said Knight’s Philadelphia Program Director Donna Frisby-Greenwood.

The Knight Arts Challenge began in 2008 in Miami, where the initiative is now in its third year. Philadelphia is only the second city in which Knight is offering this program. The full list of finalists is available online at KnightArts.org. Philadelphians can also learn more and share ideas with the community on the Knight Arts Challenge Philadelphia Facebook page. Knight Foundation will announce the first-year winners in the spring.