Arts Advocacy |
Investing in Pittsburgh’s Arts Ecosystem: A Call to Action for Public and Philanthropic Support
On Friday, March 7, the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council hosted a tour for representatives from the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and local philanthropy, visiting four nonprofit arts organizations: Pittsburgh Glass Center, Union Project, Contemporary Craft, and Radiant Hall. Each of these organizations plays a critical role in shaping Pittsburgh’s vibrant arts landscape, providing artists with the space, resources, and support they need to thrive. The advocacy initiative—the first in what we hope will become an ongoing series—highlighted the transformative impact of the arts in our community and underscored the vital role of public and philanthropic funding in sustaining a dynamic cultural sector.
The tour also featured four artists—Alecia Dawn Young, Maria Camera-Smith, Annie Heisey, and Gillian Preston—whose experiences highlight Pittsburgh’s role as a hub for creative professionals. Two of them, originally from Pittsburgh, chose to return after college to build their arts careers, while the other two relocated to the city, drawn by its thriving arts ecosystem. Their participation underscored the vital role of the arts in both retaining and attracting residents.
We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in the tour and engaged in thoughtful discussions about the future of the arts in Pittsburgh.
As we visited each organization and engaged with artists and leaders in the field, several key themes emerged. Pittsburgh has the opportunity to not only sustain but elevate its position as a national leader in the arts—particularly in craft and maker-based disciplines. However, to fully realize this vision, targeted investment is necessary to address critical challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Below are the key takeaways from the tour, as well as ways public investment and philanthropic giving can help resolve these challenges and fuel Pittsburgh’s creative future.
Integrating Cultural Equity, Investment, and Strategy into Comprehensive Planning
There is an opportunity to embed cultural equity, investment, and strategy into the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County’s comprehensive planning processes. The arts are not a standalone sector—they intersect with economic development, workforce retention, tourism, and community well-being. By formally integrating the arts into long-term regional planning, our public leaders can create policies that sustain and expand Pittsburgh’s creative ecosystem. This approach will ensure that the arts are recognized as a critical component of Greater Pittsburgh’s identity and economic resilience while prioritizing equity in resource allocation and opportunities for historically under-resourced communities.
Pittsburgh: A Legacy of Innovation and Craft
Pittsburgh has long been a city of makers. From steel to glass, our history is rooted in transforming raw materials into objects of innovation, utility, and beauty. Today, that legacy continues, positioning Pittsburgh as a hub for artists who work in craft-based disciplines and beyond. We have the assets, infrastructure, and talent to be a national destination for craft and a thriving home for artists. However, to fully realize this vision, investment is critical.
The Importance of Communal Studios in Equipment-Heavy Disciplines
Some arts practices, especially those in craft traditions, require specialized and often expensive equipment. The capital investments necessary to outfit a personal studio with this equipment can be a significant barrier for many artists. For these disciplines, communal studios—such as those provided by Pittsburgh Glass Center, Union Project, and Contemporary Craft—are essential resources. These shared spaces, fully equipped for professional work, allow artists to continue their practice without the financial burden of purchasing and maintaining costly tools. Supporting and expanding these communal studio spaces will ensure that Pittsburgh remains a viable place for artists in these fields.
Why Artists Choose Pittsburgh—and Why They Stay
The four artists who joined our tour shared why living and working in Pittsburgh is an intentional choice. Their stories reflect a broader truth: artists are attracted to Pittsburgh because of its robust arts ecosystem and strong network of arts organizations. However, sustaining a career in the arts requires more than just a supportive environment—it requires access to the right resources.
The Growing Demand for Affordable Studio Space
Affordable, community-oriented studio space is a pressing need in Pittsburgh’s arts sector. Organizations like Radiant Hall and the Union Project, which offer subsidized studio spaces, face increasing demand, with waitlists growing faster than they can be met. Artists need dedicated spaces to create, collaborate, and connect with their peers—but they shouldn’t have to choose between paying for studio rent and affording everyday necessities. Without increased investment in accessible, sustainable workspaces, Pittsburgh risks losing creative talent to cities that offer more viable conditions. Expanding public and philanthropic support for artist studios will help ensure that Pittsburgh remains a thriving hub for creativity.
Expanding Market Access for Artists
While Pittsburgh provides a strong foundation for artists, many need to expand their reach beyond our region to sustain and grow their careers. Access to national and international markets is crucial for artists to scale their work, yet travel and professional development opportunities require financial support. When Pittsburgh-based artists travel, they not only advance their careers but also serve as cultural ambassadors, raising the city's brand awareness and extending goodwill to other communities. Increasing funding that allows artists to travel and network outside of Pittsburgh will ensure that our city remains an attractive and influential hub for creative professionals.
The Federal Funding Dilemma
Recent Executive Orders at the federal level have created an ultimatum for arts organizations, pressuring them to compromise their values and priorities in order to access federal funding. These policies threaten the integrity and mission of many institutions that have long been committed to inclusion, diversity, and artistic freedom. Public officials and philanthropic leaders must recognize this challenge and advocate for policies and funding streams that empower, rather than restrict, the arts sector.
A Call to Action
The February 7 tour made one thing clear: the arts are not just an asset to Pittsburgh—they are essential to its future. To sustain and strengthen our cultural sector, we need bold, strategic action from public officials, philanthropic leaders, and the community at large.
We urge our city and county leadership to integrate cultural equity, investment, and strategy into their comprehensive planning processes. The arts must be embedded into economic development, workforce strategies, and community revitalization—not treated as an afterthought. By prioritizing the arts in long-term planning, we can create policies and investments that drive inclusive growth and opportunity.
Key actions to propel Pittsburgh’s arts sector forward:
Increase investment in affordable artist studio spaces to ensure Pittsburgh remains a viable place for creative professionals to live and work.
Expand funding for artist market access so Pittsburgh-based artists can reach national and international audiences, growing their careers and amplifying the city's creative reputation.
Champion policies that protect artistic integrity and ensure that federal, state, and local funding supports—not restricts—the mission and values of arts organizations.
Embed the arts into economic and workforce development strategies to harness Pittsburgh’s creative potential as a driver of innovation and regional identity.
Pittsburgh’s arts ecosystem is a catalyst for cultural vitality, community connection, and economic growth. The time to act is now. We call on policymakers, funders, and stakeholders to commit to a future where artists and arts organizations don’t just survive—they thrive.