GPAC wants to be sure that the Pittsburgh arts community's interests are represented on committees, boards, meetings and other forums where cultural policy is affected. Below are some examples of where we represent you. If you have an issue that affects any of these areas, or if you would like GPAC to be present somewhere not listed here, please send your ideas to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , CEO.
Americans for the Arts (AFTA)
GPAC is a member of Americans for the Arts, the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education. This membership connects us to the national industry in many ways:
- Annual Convention - Each summer, GPAC staff attend this national convention to learn about trends in the field and current industry research, so that we can . GPAC recently won a bid to host this national convention in Pittsburgh in 2013, bringing leaders from all over the industry to our backyard.
- National Arts Advocacy Day - Each April, GPAC leads a elegation of Pittsburgh arts leaders to Washington, DC, where they meet with elected officials to discuss a unified, national arts agenda.
- Public Art Network (PAN) - Through the Office of Public Art, we stay connected to this national network, whose goal is to develop professional services for the broad array of individuals and organizations engaged in the diverse field of public art. Renee Piechocki serves as a member of the Public Art Council, which oversees the network.
- Private Sector Network - Through our Business Volunteers for the Arts Program, GPAC participates in this network of local arts agencies that gather to discuss ways to foster connections between business and arts.
- United States Urban Arts Federation (USUAF) - Our CEO is a member of this alliance that brings together the chief executives of local arts agencies in the nation's 60 largest cities. These leaders advocate, network, and meet to discuss the social, educational, and economic impact of the arts in their regions.
- Emerging Leader Network - This national network of emerging arts professionals serves as an umbrella for many local chapers, including the Pittsburgh Emerging Arts Leaders network.
Arts & Law Committee - Allegheny County Bar Association
GPAC helped to restart the Arts & Law Committee in 2008 and Larry Castner, our manager of the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts Program, now participates as a member ex officio. The committee convenes arts-interested attorneys to talk about legal issues in the arts. Larry suggests speakers and arts experiences for the committee, and helps to plan an annual reception for artists and arts organizations to meet attorneys.
Association of Performing Arts Service Organizations (APASO)
The Association of Performing Arts Service Organizations is an informal group of organizations from around the world that share a mission of providing services for arts organizations and artists. GPAC staff participates in this network so that we can learn from our peers in other cities, to ensure that we're bringing you the best programs and services the nationwide industry has to offer.
Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania
Mitch swain sits on the board of Citizens for the Arts, a statewide arts advocacy organization that is uniquely positioned to speak out on behalf of the arts. Citizens communicates the value and impact of the arts to decision makers in media, government, corporate, and philanthropic sectors and takes a stand on legislation and public policy that affect the arts.
Consortium of Small Arts Funders
This small group is comprised of foundation leaders who make grants to small- and mid-sized arts organizations. Together, this group explores ways to work together for the good of the sector and the grantees. Participating funders include The Allegheny Regional Asset District, The Heinz Endowments, The McCune Foundation, and The Pittsburgh Foundation.
Flight School Advisory Committee
With the combined mentorship of the internationally known Creative Capital Foundation program and a unique series of follow-up workshops, Pittsburgh's Flight School Fellowship helps artists use that same practice to reinvent their careers. David Seals, Christiane Leach, and Renee Piechocki sit on the advisory committee for this program, which is house at Pittsburgh Filmmakers / Pittsburgh Center for the Arts.
Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania (GWPA)
GPAC is a member of Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania,an association formed in 1985 by leaders who wanted to create an organized mechanism for grantmakers to learn and work together. As part of this group, we work with foundation leaders who also make grants to the arts, to explore ways we can work together to create a healthy arts community. In particular, we participate in regular Arts Funders Roundtables, where we sometimes present about opportunities and research from the field.
Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership (GPNP)
GPAC staff regularly participates in the Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership, a coalition of about 350 nonprofit agencies in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region dedicated to providing a unified voice for the nonprofit sector. Mitch Swain has served on the advisory board in the past, and GPAC staff regularly attends the annual Nonprofit Summit.
Leadership Pittsburgh, Inc.
GPAC works with Leadership Pittsburgh, Inc., the foremost multi-disciplinary leadership identification, enrichment and networking organization in Southwestern Pennsylvania, to help ensure participation by members of the arts community. Mitch Swain is a graduate of Leadership Pittsurgh.
National Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
This affiliation of nonprofit legal service providers gathers online and in-person to discuss issues in the field, as well as best practices for providing pro bono legal services to artists and arts organizations. Larry Castner participates to ensure that our Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts program stays current and relevant.
New Pittsburgh Collaborative
On behalf of GPAC and the Pittsburgh Emerging Arts Leaders, David Seals serves as a delegate to the New Pittsburgh Collaborative, a coalition of diverse, civically-engaged, young-minded organizations.
PA Cultural Data Project (PACDP)
Mitch Swain is a member of the Governing Group for the Pennsylvania Cultural Data Project, a powerful, online management tool designed to strengthen arts and cultural organizations. As part of the Governing Group, Mitch Swain gives input in profile questions, research usage, policy, and more.
Pittsburgh Arts Research Consortium (PARC)
This committee, comprised of GPAC staff, foundation leaders, researchers, and more, meets several times a year to discuss current research in the field and to raise awareness about local research in process.
Pittsburgh Technology Council
GPAC is a member of the Pittsburgh Technology Council, with a special focus on the Art + Technology Initiative. This initiative was formed in 2008 in an effort to unite and cultivate the creative and technology communities in the Pittsburgh region. We hope to grow this partnership in years to come.
