Demystifying the Arts |
Where Arts and Sports Collide: Seizing Pittsburgh’s NFL Draft Moment
We often think of the arts as either in competition with or in contention against sports. From a young age, we are conditioned to see them as two opposing worlds—intellects vs. athletes, creativity vs. competition. These conceptions stem back to scholastic stereotypes that artificially separate the two, but the truth is that arts and sports have more in common than they have in difference. Both contribute to childhood development by fostering discipline, teamwork, and self-worth. Both reinforce identity and local pride, ignite passion, and bring people together in shared experiences that transcend background or status. It’s time to move past outdated rivalries between the arts and sports. Events like the NFL Draft—which the City of Pittsburgh will host in 2026—present an opportunity to dissolve these barriers and create holistic cultural experiences.
Increasingly, we are seeing examples of how deeply intertwined these worlds are. The Super Bowl halftime show has become one of the most significant performance opportunities for artists, and this year, Kendrick Lamar delivered a powerful, artistic statement on one of the world's biggest stages. Superstar athletes like Venus Williams have entered into partnerships with museums including the Carnegie Museum of Art, using their platforms to champion artistic expression. Former Steelers Running Back Baron Batch has gained local fame for his work as an artist. Athletes, such as Kevin Durant who has invested in works by renowned artists such as Kaws and Nina Chanel Abney, have become avid art collectors, raising the profile of contemporary artists whose work speaks to their interests and aesthetics.
Here in Pittsburgh, the Steelers have brought art to the stadium through a partnership with Commonwealth Press. Since 2021, the team has highlighted local designers during every home game through a poster series, with 100% of proceeds benefiting local charities. NFL fans can also celebrate their fandom year-round at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum at the History Center, which highlights the region’s proud football legacy. Other notable local sports and arts partnerships include a 2024 exhibition from the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, which reflected on “the interplay between art and sports, activity and movement, and rest and play.”
These examples show that sports and the arts are not isolated; they are interwoven cultural forces that shape our collective identity.
In 2026, Pittsburgh will take center stage as the host city for the NFL Draft, welcoming an estimated 700,000 visitors, or more, to experience the energy, passion, and culture that define our city. While football will be the main attraction, this moment presents a unique opportunity for the arts sector to captivate audiences and reinforce the essential role that arts play in defining and reflecting Pittsburgh’s identity.
Major sporting events are no longer just about the games themselves—they are cultural touchpoints that offer cities a chance to showcase their creative spirit. For Pittsburgh’s arts organizations and artists, the NFL Draft presents an opportunity for cross-sector collaboration, engaging both residents and visitors through authentic, meaningful experiences. By activating public spaces, curating special programs, and forming strategic partnerships, the arts can contribute to the event’s success while benefiting from its vast audience.
The Power of Cross-Sector Collaboration
The intersection of sports and the arts is a natural one—both are driven by passion, storytelling, and community engagement. Collaborating with the sports industry can amplify the reach of the arts while offering unique experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. Some ideas that could bring Pittsburgh’s arts sector into the heart of the NFL Draft experience include:
- A Film Festival in Partnership with NFL Films – Hosting a special screening event at one of Pittsburgh’s cultural institutions featuring classic NFL Films, behind-the-scenes documentaries, or even locally produced films that have football tie-ins, such as Charlotte Glynn’s The Immaculate Reception.
- The Orchestra Meets the NFL – A night dedicated to the dramatic music of NFL Films, featuring live orchestral performances accompanying Steelers highlights, would be an unforgettable fusion of sports and the arts.
- Football in the Galleries – A museum exhibit dedicated to Pittsburgh’s football history, sports art, or a showcase of sports paintings could draw new audiences into the city’s museums and galleries.
- The Athlete as Collector – Partnering with local athletes to curate an exhibition featuring artworks from their personal collections. This would showcase the intersection of sports and the arts, highlighting pieces that inspire them, including paintings, sculptures, and photography. A panel discussion with the athletes discussing their artistic interests and collecting journeys could further engage audiences.
- Fan-Friendly Discounts at Arts Institutions – Encouraging museums, theaters, and music venues to offer discounts or special access to fans wearing their favorite NFL jerseys could serve as an invitation to explore Pittsburgh’s cultural scene.
Activating Public Spaces and Leaving a Lasting Impression
Beyond traditional venues, Pittsburgh’s arts sector should look at activating public spaces with performances, art installations, and interactive exhibits. Large-scale events like the NFL Draft create a natural foot traffic flow that arts organizations can tap into—whether through outdoor concerts, street performances, the creation of new murals, or even digital projections on city buildings that celebrate both the sport and the city's cultural vibrancy.
While it’s unlikely that arts organizations will siphon tourists away from draft-specific activities, there is a sentiment being shared that hoteliers are looking for ways to keep guests in town longer and are seeking attractions to direct guests to on Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26. It could be advantageous for arts organizations to plan their programming on those days with that information in mind and to ask hotels what promotional materials would best support their guest services.
These efforts are not just about entertainment—they are about legacy. The NFL Draft presents a rare opportunity to leave a lasting cultural imprint, attracting new audiences who may not have otherwise engaged with the arts. By thoughtfully integrating arts into the experience, Pittsburgh can ensure that when visitors leave, they don’t just remember the draft—they remember the creativity and innovation that make this city exceptional.
A Call to Action
With 2026 on the horizon, now is the time for Pittsburgh’s arts organizations, sports leaders, and city officials to come together and make a game plan. By leveraging the power of cross-sector partnerships and embracing the intersection of arts and sports, we can create a dynamic, engaging, and unforgettable experience that highlights the best of what Pittsburgh has to offer.
The NFL Draft is more than a football event—it’s a cultural moment. Let’s seize it.
Efforts to engage the region's business community are also already underway. The 2026 NFL Draft Source, a procurement program run by the NFL in partnership with VisitPITTSBURGH and the Pittsburgh Steelers, is engaging event-ready local and diverse businesses within the 10-county Pittsburgh region in competing for contracts related to the 2026 NFL Draft. To learn more about the process, including an Info Session on Friday, March 21, visit alleghenycounty.us.