Strengthening NWPA’s Creative Community: Erie Arts and Culture Announces Grant Recipients & Opportunities for 2025
Erie Arts & Culture is dedicated to strengthening the creative community in Northwest Pennsylvania by providing funding opportunities that empower artists and arts organizations. Through multiple grant programs, we have awarded over $100,000 to support artistic initiatives, educational programs, and cultural events across the region.
Fredy Mallqui Huaman (left), Alexa Potter (middle), and Rachel Maly (right)
Recognizing Our 2025 McCain Artist Fellows
Each year, the McCain Artist Fellowship provides unrestricted grants to three Erie County artists at different stages in their careers, helping them sustain and grow their creative practice. We are thrilled to support these talented artists as they continue to shape and inspire the arts community. This year’s Fellows are:
Established Artist: Fredy Mallqui Huaman
Mid-Career Artist: Alexa Potter
Emerging Artist: Rachel Maly
Supporting Arts & Culture Across Six Counties
Through the Pennsylvania Partner in the Arts’ Creative Sector Flex Fund, Erie Arts & Culture awarded flexible-use grants to 20 arts organizations and programs in Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Warren, Venango, and Lawrence counties. These grants help sustain organizations that bring creative experiences to communities throughout the region.
Creative Sector Flex Fund Grant Recipients
Erie County Recipients: Erie Contemporary Ballet Theatre, Main Street Art Center, The Pennsylvania State University, Erie ClaySpace Artists Association, North East Arts Council, The Downtown Edinboro Arts & Music Festival, Young Artists Debut Orchestra (YADO), and Erie Art Company
Warren County Recipients: Crary Art Gallery, Warren County Summer Music School, and Family Services of Warren County, Inc.
Crawford County Recipients: Titusville Council on the Arts Incorporated, The Arc of Crawford County, Inc., Meadville Community Theater, and French Creek Community Theater
Mercer County Recipients: Shenango Valley Chorale, Hope Center for Arts and Technology, Inc. (HopeCAT), and George Junior Republic
Venango County Recipient: Oil Region Ballet
Lawrence County Recipient: PennOhio Clay Guild, Inc
We encourage artists and organizations to take advantage of our upcoming funding opportunities:
Lydia McCain Fund Grant to Advance Artist Opportunities
The Lydia McCain Grant to Advance Artist Opportunities provides funding for artists in Erie County who have a strong artistic vision and a timely opportunity that will help advance their artistic career. Examples of such opportunities may include exhibitions and performances, visiting artist residencies, leading a community-centered arts-based project, and more. Applications are open and due March 15th.
Information Session: https://www.facebook.com/ErieArtsandCulture/videos/601462139301287
Lydia McCain Fund Next Steps Grant for Arts Organizations
he Lydia McCain Next Steps Grant for Arts Organizations provides $5,000 annually to four arts organizations that are prepared to take a strategic next step related to their mission, operations, or programs. Applications are open and due March 15th.
Information Session: https://www.facebook.com/ErieArtsandCulture/videos/511014101469671
Virginia Vieser Fund for Arts Education
Erie Arts and Culture uses the annual distribution from the Virginia P. Vieser Fund to award a $4,000 grant to one non-profit arts organization implementing a new and innovative arts in education project. Applications are open and due March 15th.
Information Session: https://www.facebook.com/ErieArtsandCulture/videos/511014101469671
Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator (CEA) Grants
Erie Arts and Culture is partnering with the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts to support creative entrepreneurs and their businesses through the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (CEAP). This program matches eligible creative entrepreneurs with free local small business consulting services and $2,000 in grant funding. Application window: April 1 - April 30
Join Us for the Next Creative Crowd!
Don’t miss our next Creative Crowd gathering on April 8th at Larson’s Big Ideas Learning from 5:30-7:30 p.m. These networking events bring together artists, creatives, and community members to connect, share ideas, and celebrate the arts in Northwest Pennsylvania.
Erie Arts & Culture remains committed to fostering a thriving creative community. For more information about our grants, programs, and initiatives, visit erieartsandculture.org or contact us at info@erieartsandculture.org.
Thank you for being part of our vibrant arts community!
