Dear Arts Advocate, Throughout March, the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance—alongside partners across the Commonwealth—came together to champion the future of arts and culture in Pennsylvania. We are deeply grateful for the advocates who stood with us. Thank you. From Arts Advocacy Day in Harrisburg on March 24 to the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts virtual hearing on March 26, we raised a unified message directly to legislators and decision-makers: arts and culture are essential to thriving communities—and they must be funded accordingly. These conversations were powerful. Advocates from every region shared how public investment in the arts fuels local economies, strengthens education, preserves cultural identity, and creates opportunity. We made it clear that any changes to the state’s funding structure must protect—not weaken—the ecosystem built over decades. But our work is far from over. We are calling on you—and advocates across our region—to contact your state legislators and urge them to protect and strengthen arts funding. Your voice matters. Legislators need to hear directly from the people and communities impacted by these decisions. Take two minutes today to send a letter to your state representative and senator and help safeguard the future of the arts in Pennsylvania. | |
Recent changes to Pennsylvania Creative Industries and its new strategic framework have created significant uncertainty across the sector. Without immediate clarity and course correction, these changes risk destabilizing organizations serving communities in every corner of the state. What’s at stake: - 70% of previously funded arts and cultural organizations are being adversely impacted
- More than 500 artists and arts administrators face potential job loss
- $9.59 million in dedicated arts funding risks being redirected away from its intended purpose
At the same time, Pennsylvania ranks 33rd in the nation in arts funding per capita—despite being in the top 10 for arts vibrancy. The disconnect is clear, and the need for action is urgent. | |
What we're asking: These priorities reflect what we heard across Harrisburg—and what we know to be true: a thriving creative sector depends on equitable, accessible, and sustained investment. A Recommitment to Act 538 of 1965 - Reaffirm the Commonwealth’s original legislative intent by ensuring Pennsylvania Creative Industries (PCI) operates in alignment with Act 538. This includes rebalancing the agency’s focus so that cultural, educational, and civic outcomes are prioritized alongside economic development goals—not replaced by them. It also requires clear statutory alignment by designating PCI as a formal division of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), with appropriate funding and legislative oversight to ensure arts investments are used for their intended purpose and benefit organizations across the Commonwealth.
A Line-Item Increase for Arts and Culture Grants - Increase the current $9.59 million arts and culture appropriation by $5 million to restore stability and purchasing power after years of flat funding. Of this increase, $2 million should be dedicated to restoring traditional arts grants while also creating a sustainable pathway for small and mid-sized organizations—particularly those with budgets between $10,000 and $100,000—to access operational funding. Allowing the use of fiscal sponsors will further ensure that community-based organizations can participate and continue delivering local impact. The remaining $3 million should be used to offset inflationary losses and restore the real value of the Commonwealth’s arts investment, ensuring that funding keeps pace with rising costs and demand across the sector.
Transparency and Accountability - Establish clear, enforceable reporting requirements and oversight mechanisms to ensure PCA and PCI are operating effectively and equitably. This includes regular, public reporting on grant distribution, funding criteria, and geographic and organizational reach. Strengthening transparency will allow the General Assembly—particularly the PA Arts & Culture Caucus—to monitor whether funds are reaching intended recipients and whether policy goals are being achieved, restoring trust and accountability in the system.
Extend Arts in Education and Folk Arts Partnerships (Two-Year Sunset and Assessment) - Maintain Arts in Education and Folk Arts partnerships through a two-year sunset period to ensure continuity for students, communities, and local cultural organizations that rely on these programs. During this period, the Commonwealth should conduct a comprehensive assessment of program outcomes, community impact, and access across regions. This approach allows for a thoughtful transition—rather than abrupt disruption—while giving policymakers the data needed to make informed, long-term decisions about program structure, funding, and alignment with statewide priorities.
Extend Funding for the Preserving Diverse Cultures Division - Continue and expand support for the Preserving Diverse Cultures division, including its multi-year grants and organizational development resources. This division plays a critical role in supporting artists and organizations from historically underserved and under-resourced communities, helping them build capacity and sustain operations. Maintaining this funding ensures that Pennsylvania’s arts ecosystem reflects the full diversity of its communities and that smaller, culturally specific organizations are not left behind in broader funding shifts.
The Cultural Alliance will continue to share updates as this evolves—stay engaged by subscribing to Advocacy Alerts and CultureWire. Together, we’ve made progress. Together, we can ensure that Pennsylvania’s arts and culture sector not only survives—but thrives for generations to come. | |
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. | |
