Pennsylvania has money available for community-based art projects

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is searching for the state’s most creative communities.
Through the new Pennsylvania Creative Communities initiative, the group is looking to inspire community-driven, arts-based projects in hopes of increasing economic development and community connectedness.
Funded projects will have to demonstrate a positive impact on their communities.
Gov. Tom Wolf said the arts are immeasurably valuable.
“The arts are increasingly recognized for their value, not only to the welfare and well-being of our citizens, but also as a contributor to the economic health of the commonwealth,” Wolf said. “A thriving local arts community has been linked to increased health, prosperity, and to innovative business economies in both rural and urban areas.”
PCA will select two to four pilot communities to launch the initiative.
Chosen communities will receive up to $25,000 each year for up to four years.
Eligible applicants include local governments and 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations.
PCA Executive Director Karl Blischke said art can be a powerful tool to build communities.
“Pennsylvania enjoys a robust creative sector and many distinguished cultural assets that can help stimulate local economies, civic engagement, revitalization, and innovation,” Blischke said. “We look forward to supporting projects driven by local input and needs and harnessing the power of the arts to help build communities.”

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