This month’s From the Director’s Seat reflects on renewal, advocacy, and the creative momentum growing across our region.

Erie Arts & Culture awards $45,350 to 13 local arts programs, supporting music, festivals, and creative projects across Erie County.

Educational Passport expands to more schools, connecting students to arts and culture—while Black History Month projects bring local stories to life through music and portraiture.

One year in, this edition of From the Director’s Seat reflects on growth, community, and the powerful moments that continue to shape our work and region.

In 2025, Erie Arts & Culture launched Pulse, expanded folk arts programming, and connected hundreds of students to hands-on arts experiences.

February’s From the Director’s Seat celebrates love of community and creativity—from MLK Day performances to Educational Passport and Creative Crowd.

Since 2020, Grantee Bridge Studios has grown into a thriving music hub in Titusville, offering lessons, concerts, and scholarships that strengthen creativity and community.

Erie Arts & Culture awarded $111,000 to 2026 Lydia McCain Fellows and 20 Creative Sector Flex Fund grantees across Northwest PA.

From town halls to Gallery Night and meeting Erie’s new mayor, this Director’s update looks ahead to a hopeful, collaborative 2026.

Meet the 2026 Lydia McCain Artist Fellows—three Erie County creatives receiving unrestricted support to deepen their practice and shape our region’s future.

This month’s Director’s update celebrates murals, youth dance, school residencies, and the Harry T. Burleigh concert—see how creativity is shining across our region.

This fall, Arts in Education launched new residencies across three counties, bringing murals, improv, design, and more to classrooms.

This Director’s update spotlights arts resilience—from Bruce Gallery visits to new partnerships in Erie’s Public Schools.

In the first Director’s update, reflections on six months of leadership, Pulse, Hidden Creeks, PorchFest, and growing creative partnerships.

From foster care to founding Shantiva Moore’s Vybe Queenz, her hip hop majorette team inspires youth and hosts Erie’s first competition this November.

Before murals, Erie made a splash with fish and frogs! Discover how Chicago’s Cows on Parade inspired one of our city’s most whimsical art traditions.

Step into Meadville’s Contra Dance tradition with Mary Burkett, where live music and movement bring generations together in joyful community.

Artist Empowerment Day is a free August 23 event at Erie Center for Arts & Technology featuring workshops, legal help, headshots, and tools for creatives.

Nearly 1,000 Erie County students explored museums and met artists this spring—plus summer residencies at expERIEnce Children's Museum keep the creativity going!

Meet the 2024 McCain Artist Fellows and see how unrestricted support fueled travel, new work, and bold dreams—plus learn how to apply for 2026!