Announcing Our Spring 2025 Grant Recipients: Investing in NWPA’s Creative Community
Erie Arts & Culture is dedicated to investing in the vibrant creative community of Northwestern Pennsylvania. During the April Creative Crowd at Big Ideas Learning, we recognized $87,000 in grant awards to local artists, creative entrepreneurs, and arts organizations. These grants help fuel innovative projects, sustain artistic careers, and strengthen the cultural fabric of our region.
This year’s funding has supported a diverse array of recipients, from performing artists and musicians to visual artists and arts organizations. As we celebrate their contributions to Northwest Pennsylvania’s creative sector, we also encourage new connections to create belonging and encourage collaboration. Our grantees bring incredible creativity to our region, and we are thrilled to support their continued successes.
McCain Special Projects Grant
The McCain Special Projects Grant supports new and innovative arts projects in Erie County that may not qualify for other funding opportunities. In 2025, we awarded a total of $11,200 to three recipients:
1020 Collective for a monthly networking event, fostering collaboration among local artists and creatives.
Seiche Dance Collective for Tethered Immersive Theater Experience, a groundbreaking performance that blends movement and storytelling.
Erie Art Museum for Frank Novel’s artist residency and exhibition, providing a platform for artistic exploration and engagement.
McBrier Family Fund
This fund supports nonprofit arts organizations working in collaboration with artists to develop impactful arts and cultural programming. This year, we are proud to support Dafmark’s production of Cracked Gems, a compelling theatrical project involving nine artists in its creation and production.
ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery (PACR) Grant for Working Artists
This special grant program, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, provided crucial financial support to working artists and creative entrepreneurs who faced significant pandemic-related income disruptions. Erie Arts & Culture distributed $75,000 in funding to 25 artists across Northwestern Pennsylvania, representing a broad spectrum of creative disciplines, from music and literature to visual arts and performance.
Dafna Baier
Abby Barrett
Jon Bernstein
Matt Boland
Rick Bowser
Sean Carey
Lisa Contessa
Jennifer Dennehy
Brad Ford
Klee Galligan
CJ Hurley
Tracey Lander-Garrett
Sarah Moody
Michael Patterson
Debbie Penley
Rafi Perez
Sarah Purvis
Mike Russo
Adam Stempka
Brooke Surgener
Brenna Thummler
Stephen Trohoske
Douglas Werner
Nicole Ryan
The Power of the Arts in Our Region
Each of these grants serves as an investment in the creative spirit of our community. Whether funding new projects, supporting collaborations, or providing relief to working artists, these programs help ensure that the arts remain a driving force in our region’s cultural and economic landscape.
To all of our grantees—congratulations! Your dedication and passion continue to inspire, and we are honored to support your work.
If you’re interested in learning more about our grants or exploring opportunities to apply, visit our Grants and Funding webpage. Let’s continue to create, connect, and celebrate the arts together!
