BalletX company performs choreographer Jennifer Archibald’s Maslow’s Peak, 2024. Photo by Whitney Browne, courtesy of BalletX.
PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 24, 2024)—The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage (the Center) announced today that it has awarded $10.2 million to 39 Philadelphia-area cultural organizations and artists, including $3.5 million to help ensure the future of several of the most prominent institutions in the city and $1 million in unrestricted fellowships to 12 local artists.
New this year, the Center’s “Evolving Futures” awards represent an investment toward a thriving future for the region’s cultural sector. The grants—which support Philadelphia organizations, including The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Asian Arts Initiative, Historic Germantown, Opera Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, and People’s Light—come at a critical juncture following the pandemic, as the sector seeks to chart a path toward greater sustainability. Through this program, nine grants will help organizations undertake major operational adaptations designed to lead to long-term viability, relevance, and success.
Additionally, 12 Philadelphia-area artists have been named Pew Fellows in the Arts, receiving $85,000 each, which is an additional $10,000 per artist this year.
Plus, 18 local arts and heritage organizations will receive funding to present timely and compelling public events and programs. As the country approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, several projects reflect on U.S. history, civic participation, and the future of American democracy. Other projects highlight Black artists, life, and culture, or consider the environment and a changing climate.
“We’re delighted to continue our long-standing support for individual artists and creative projects as well as to introduce the Evolving Futures grants this year,” says Paula Marincola, executive director of The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. “We are particularly gratified to offer important risk capital to address crucial operational issues through this new funding platform while also supporting vibrant programs for many different audiences and communities.”
Donna Frisby-Greenwood, the senior vice president leading The Pew Charitable Trusts’ work in Philadelphia, adds, “The Pew Charitable Trusts is extremely pleased to support The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage in its commitment to ensuring a thriving cultural sector that represents and celebrates diverse perspectives. We look forward to seeing how these grantees use their exceptional creativity to spark important social conversations—and produce accessible works of art for Philadelphia-area residents and visitors to enjoy.”
A full list of grantees and funded projects is available at pewcenterarts.org/2024grants.