Who we are
Erie Arts and Culture, originally founded as the Arts Council of Erie in 1966, is the regional arts agency for Northwestern Pennsylvania, appointed by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA). Our pursuit is to promote, support, and develop culture and creativity, ensuring broad opportunities for residents and tourists in Erie, Crawford, Venango, Warren, Mercer, and Lawrence counties. We strive to serve all communities equitably, regardless of geographic location or economic status.
Nurturing a vibrant region by elevating, inspiring, and connecting artists and organizations in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Erie Arts and Culture’s Mission Statement | 2024
our Legacy
Since our establishment, Erie Arts and Culture has played a pivotal role in enriching the cultural landscape of Northwestern Pennsylvania. We are proud to be the only PCA partner in the state to administer all three PCA programs: Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA), Arts in Education (AIE), and Folk and Traditional Arts. Through these programs, we have provided essential support and resources to artists and organizations, ensuring that creativity thrives in every corner of our region.
Through our partnership with the PCA and EAC administered arts endowments, we offer a variety of programs and resources to support the arts including:
Grants and Funding: Providing financial support to individuals and organizations that utilize the arts and humanities to engage the broader community.
Artist Residencies: Hosting in-depth arts learning experiences for youth and adults.
Workshops and Networking Events: Offering educational tools, resources, and opportunities for artists to grow and connect.
Community Engagement: Celebrating and preserving the region’s cultural diversity through various initiatives.
Our Strategic Plan
Erie Arts and Culture is proud to present our 2024-2027 Strategic Plan, designed to refine who we are, what we do, and how we do it. This plan sets clear goals for the next three years, ensuring our organization continues to thrive and make a significant impact in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Impact: Our strategic plan provides a clear vision for the future of Erie Arts and Culture. By outlining our priorities and setting achievable goals, we aim to enhance our programs and services, engage more deeply with our community, and build a greater appreciation for the arts throughout the region.
View the Full Plan: Discover our roadmap for the next three years by viewing the full strategic plan. Click the button below to access the digital booklet on Issuu and learn more about our vision and goals.
Feel free to reach out to us for more information or with any questions about our strategic plan and its implementation.
our Programs
Erie Arts and Culture offers a diverse range of programs designed to enrich our community through the arts and humanities. We focus on three main areas, each dedicated to fostering creativity, education, and cultural heritage. Our initiatives support both individuals and organizations, ensuring broad opportunities for engagement and development.
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Arts Education
We provide impactful arts education experiences for learners of all ages, integrating arts into educational settings to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
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Arts, Culture, and Creative Entrepreneurship
Empowering artists and creative entrepreneurs through grants, workshops, and resources, we support the development of creative industries and cultural initiatives that drive innovation and economic growth.
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Folk and Traditional Arts
Celebrating and preserving the rich cultural heritage of our region, we support traditional artists and cultural practitioners through apprenticeships, events, and documentation projects.
Get Involved
Making a difference never felt so good.
Whether you’re interested in volunteering at events, participating in workshops, or contributing to our programs through donations, there are numerous ways to support the work Erie Arts and Culture is doing in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Contact us to explore opportunities to engage with us and help foster a vibrant, creative community.
