How Grantmaking is Changing at Erie Arts & Culture

Thursday Feb 23rd, 2023

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How Grantmaking is Changing at Erie Arts & Culture

Starting March 1, Erie Arts & Culture will accept applications for grants administered through the Erie Arts Endowment Subfunds: the Lydia McCain Fund, the Clarence E. Beyers Fund, and the Virginia P. Vieser Fund. Read more about each program below.

In 2019, Erie Arts & Culture entered into a new strategic plan, one which called for better aligning of its resources with its values and objectives. In pursuit of more measurable outcomes and impact through its grantmaking, Erie Arts & Culture’s staff, Programs Committee, and Board of Trustees have redesigned the policies and procedures of the Erie Arts Endowment grantmaking programs. 

Erie Arts & Culture’s grantmaking is fueled by the Erie Arts Endowment and the sub-funds that compose it. Notable sub-funds include The Lydia McCain Fund, the Clarence E. Beyers Fund, the Virginia P. Vieser Fund, the Rosemary Omniewski Fund, and the stARTup Fund. These funds were established to carry on the legacy of community members who valued the arts and the impact they have on individuals and communities. 

Erie Arts & Culture’s revised approach breaks the Ignite Arts program into named sub funds. Grants made from these funds will support strategic initiatives, so applicants may now request a larger grant amount from the appropriate sub fund. Round table discussions with grantees will replace the traditional written reporting system in an effort to build community, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration across the sector. 

Erie Arts & Culture’s overarching goal is to advance the arts and culture sector in Northwest Pennsylvania. The agency recognized that investing in Erie County artists and arts organizations’ long term growth would have a greater impact than supporting one-time projects. The new programs will fund mission-based, operational, and programmatic work, in addition to a new program that will support individual artists with a vision and timely opportunity.

The new policies, which were approved by Erie Arts & Culture’s Board of Trustees during the January 17th Board Meeting, are informed by months of research on community-first grantmaking practices and in-depth conversations with industry leaders, past grant recipients, and members of the broader Erie community. Each program honors the initial donor’s intention, and integrates community-informed strategies from sector leaders such as Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and international leaders in equitable grantmaking like WomenStrong International


Lydia McCain Fund

Lydia McBrier McCain was an active member of the Erie community and staunchly served and supported arts and civic organizations and practicing artists in Erie County. A painter and jewelry maker herself, Lydia’s commitment to the arts ensured that both artists and arts organizations with a strong vision had the chance to reach their full potential.

To continue the legacy of Lydia McBrier McCain, Erie Arts & Culture will use the annual distribution of the Lydia McCain Fund to support the following programs:

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The Lydia McCain Grant to Advance Artist Opportunities:

Grants from $500 - $2,500 (amounting to $13,000) awarded annually to artists who have a timely opportunity present that will help advance their artistic career. Online applications open March 1.

More information

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The Lydia McCain Next Steps Grant for Arts Organizations

$5,000 awarded annually to four arts organizations that are prepared to take a strategic next step as it relates to its mission, operations, or programs. Online applications open March 1.

More information

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The Lydia McCain Artist Fellowships

$11,000 in total funding awarded annually to three artists of varying career levels. Online applications open July 1.

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Clarence E. Beyers Fund

Clarence E. Beyers pursued a personal mission to increase the Erie community’s access to art and music and make generosity to the arts contagious. For many years, Beyers generously contributed to local arts organizations and helped talented Erie students obtain professional training at nationally recognized institutions. He was active on multiple boards and a long time violist in the Erie Philharmonic.

To continue his legacy, Erie Arts & Culture will use the annual distribution from the Clarence E. Beyers Fund for the Clarence E. Beyers Grant Supporting Musical Performances. $26,000 in grants are awarded over three application cycles annually to non-profit arts organizations that are presenting quality musical performances that are accessible and relevant to the public. The online application portal for the Clarence E. Beyers Grant Supporting Musical Performances will open on March 1.

More information

 

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Virginia P. Vieser Fund

Virginia P. Vieser was a small business owner, mother, and dedicated supporter of education in Erie County. To continue the legacy of Virginia P. Vieser, Erie Arts & Culture will use the annual distribution from the Virginia P. Vieser Fund for the Virginia P. Vieser Grant Supporting Arts in Education. This $4,000 grant is awarded annually to one non-profit arts organization that is implementing a new and innovative arts in education project. The online application portal for the Virginia P. Vieser Grant Supporting Arts in Education will open on March 1.

More information


Assistance and more information

To assist with the new application processes, Erie Arts & Culture will host hybrid in-person and virtual informational sessions at Blasco Library’s Admiral Room. An information session for arts organizations will be held on Thursday, March 2nd at 6pm (register here), and an information session for individual artists will be held on Wednesday, March 8th at 6pm (register here). 

Questions? Contact Casey Corritore, Program Officer of Capacity Building: [email protected] | 814-452-3427 x 108.

Erie Arts & Culture

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