STAND UP FOR PA ARTS FUNDING: Register for Arts Advocacy Day at the PA Capitol Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Dear Arts Advocate, Pennsylvania’s arts funding system is undergoing major changes—and the creative sector needs your voice now. Next Tuesday, March 24, join the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance and partners from across the Commonwealth in Harrisburg for Arts Advocacy Day (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM). We’re calling on legislators to respond to the sweeping changes at Pennsylvania Creative Industries and protect a stronger, more equitable future for arts funding—especially as these changes put critical support for small, community-based organizations at risk. Stand with us at the Capitol and advocate for the artists and communities who depend on it. | |
Know Before You Go Arts Advocacy Day is a statewide effort led by Creative Pennsylvania to bring artists, cultural leaders, educators, and advocates together to meet directly with legislators. This year, we’re coming together to advocate for stronger, more stable public investment, to demonstrate the impact of the arts and culture in every district, and ensure policies support artists, arts education, and community-based organizations across all 67 counties. | |
Advocacy Toolkit & Training Materials Whether you’re new to advocacy or experienced, we’ve got you covered. The Arts Advocacy Day Toolkit includes: - Policy priorities and talking points
- Email and letter templates
- Social media guidance
- Tips for meeting with legislators
All registrants will also receive training and materials to help you advocate confidently and effectively. | |
Event Schedule - Tuesday, March 24 The main entrance of the Capitol Building is located on 501 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120. Please arrive early to avoid long lines navigating around the Capitol Building. - 8:00 AM – Breakfast & Packet Pickup (East Rotunda, Room 8EB)
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Legislative Visits
- 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM – Networking Lunch
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Legislative Visits
- 3:00 PM – Press Conference + Philly Pops Performance (Capitol Rotunda)
Heading to the Capitol? Plan Ahead! What We’re Advocating For This year, advocacy is especially urgent. Our shared priorities include: - A recommitment to Act 538 of 1965 to ensure legislative oversight aligns PA Creative Industries with its founding statute to rebalance cultural, education, and civic outcomes alongside economic goals and ensure the $9.59 million line item goes directly to arts organizations and arts in education. PA Creative Industries should be designated as a division of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts with $2 million in new funding.
- Increase the $9.59 million arts line item by $3 million for traditional arts grants as a step toward restoring inflation-adjusted funding. Establish an operational grant pathway for organizations with budgets of $10,000-$100,000 and allow groups to use fiscal sponsors.
- Ensure PA Creative Industries fulfills its missions effectively and equitably by enacting strong oversight and clear reporting to the PA Arts & Culture Caucus.
- Extending Arts in Education and Folk Arts partnerships. These programs are foundational to community-based cultural access across Pennsylvania. Communities need stability and time to responsibly transition relationships and sustain local impact.
- Extend Funding for the Preserving Diverse Cultures Division: Extend the $671,000 funding for the division, including its multi-year grants and organizational development support. This division empowered artists and arts organizations from underserved and under-resourced communities to grow.
- Reinforcing a statewide arts infrastructure to integrate the 70+ local arts councils into a consolidated statewide network to both better understand the depth, breadth, impact, and needs of the sector. This includes a dedicated statewide arts fund via a “percent for arts” policy, with county-level opt-out flexibility and long-term stability for grants supporting arts organizations, arts education, and cultural programming statewide.
More information regarding the changes in PA Creative Industries can be found on the Cultural Alliance’s website. Why This Matters Pennsylvania ranks 33rd in the nation for arts funding, despite being one of the most vibrant arts states in the country. At a time when funding is being restructured, we must act now to ensure that public investment remains accessible, equitable, and aligned with the needs of our communities. The Cultural Alliance will continue to share updates as this evolves—stay engaged by subscribing to Advocacy Alerts and CultureWire. Together, we can protect and strengthen arts funding for communities across Pennsylvania. | |
Support the Cultural Alliance The Cultural Alliance is a tireless advocate for arts and culture. By supporting the Cultural Alliance, you are taking action to protect our creative community. | |
