Founded in 1966 as the Arts Council of Erie, Erie Arts & Culture is the regional arts agency for Northwestern Pennsylvania, as appointed by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA). Our role is to promote, support, and develop culture and creativity at the regional level; ensuring broad opportunities for residents and tourists throughout communities in Erie, Crawford, Venango, Warren, Mercer, and Lawrence counties to engage with the sector educationally, socially, and economically. Our presence ensures that all communities - regardless of their geographic location or economic status - are systematically and equitably served.
In support of our mission, Erie Arts & Culture:
Provides tools, resources, and financial support to individuals and organizations that specifically utilize the arts and humanities as a platform to engage the broader community.
Grows the capacity of our sector to ensure extraordinary creative and cultural experiences.
Creates an environment in which artists and creative industries, representing a wide variety of disciplines, can thrive.
Funds opportunities for lifelong learning through the arts and humanities experiences in classrooms, institutions, and community spaces.
Consults on how creativity and culture can be a component in any development or redevelopment project.
Celebrates Erie's collective identity by preserving and promoting the region's cultural diversity.
Erie Arts & Culture is committed to improving the lives of our region’s residents. We do this by leveraging the power of the arts and humanities to address the vital needs and interests of Erie and Northwestern Pennsylvania.
We imagine a region in which:
Culture and creativity are woven into the fabric of everyday life and are integrated into every neighborhood.
The region is a magnet for cultural and creative professionals where non-profit cultural organizations and for-profit creative industries can thrive.
Every resident has access to opportunities to participate in, and engage with, the arts and humanities, whether socially, educationally, or economically.
The arts and humanities are a part of every classroom experience.
Cultural equity is leading the way to a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive community - improving the social equity and cultural vitality of the area.
Culture and creativity are recognized as a leading contributor to quality of life that attracts and retains residents, business investments, and a high-quality modern workforce.
"The Rebirth of a Fallen Race: The Fall - The Journey - The Rise of the African American People" an original theatre production at East Middle School.
Keep in touch with the arts!
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