Protect PA Museums. Help Power Arts & Culture. Take Action Now! Dear Arts Advocate, Pennsylvania’s museums and historical organizations are cornerstones of our communities—preserving our shared history, expanding educational access, and driving local economies. Today, they need your voice. The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance stands with PA Museums in urging the General Assembly to maintain $4 million in funding for the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) Cultural and Historical Support Grants line item. This funding is essential. It provides critical operating support to approximately 170 museums and historical societies across 59 counties—organizations that collectively welcome more than 7 million visitors annually and support 25,000 jobs statewide. After being eliminated in 2010, this program was restored in 2014 at $2 million annually. It wasn’t until 2024 that funding returned to $4 million—finally delivering the stability institutions need to plan, grow, and serve their communities. Maintaining this funding level is not an increase—it’s a commitment to sustaining recent progress. To learn more, please read PA Museum's one-pager here. Why this matters: - Museums anchor community identity and serve as trusted educational resources
- Funding supports staff, collections care, exhibitions, and public programs
- Grants expand access for students, families, and under-resourced communities
Across Pennsylvania, organizations are already seeing the impact: - Increased access for tens of thousands of students through free and reduced admission programs
- Retention of full-time staff and reinvestment in exhibitions and programming
- First-time hires of archivists and expanded visitor engagement
These are real outcomes—strengthening education, preserving culture, and fueling tourism and economic activity across the Commonwealth. Take Action Now: Review PHMC’s letter and contact your state legislators to urge them to maintain $4 million in funding for PHMC’s Cultural and Historical Support Grants. | |
Continue the Call to Protect Arts Funding Statewide As we continue to mobilize advocates across the Commonwealth, this is a friendly reminder to keep raising your voice. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to contact your state representative and senator to help safeguard the future of arts and culture in Pennsylvania. Recent changes tied to Pennsylvania Creative Industries have created real uncertainty across the sector, putting critical support at risk for organizations in every region. Nearly 70% of previously funded groups are being impacted, more than 500 arts workers face potential job loss, and $9.59 million in dedicated funding could be redirected from its intended purpose. All of this comes as Pennsylvania ranks 33rd in the nation in arts funding per capita—despite being in the top 10 for arts vibrancy. We’re urging leaders to recommit to the intent of Act 538 of 1965, strengthen oversight and transparency, increase investment in arts and culture, and sustain programs that support education, folk arts, and diverse communities. These priorities reflect what advocates made clear in Harrisburg: a thriving creative sector depends on equitable, accessible, and sustained investment. Your voice matters—please send your message today. | |
Join the Campaign & Stay Engaged We’re working with Creative Pennsylvania and our statewide partners to build a broad, statewide coalition to demonstrate sector-wide concern about these changes. Support and lend your voice to these efforts below: The Cultural Alliance continues to share updates as this funding regarding PA arts & culture evolves—stay engaged by subscribing to Advocacy Alerts and CultureWire. Together, we can ensure that Pennsylvania’s creative sector not only survives—but thrives for years 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. | |
