Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council Announces Lift Grant Awardees

Pittsburgh – February 13, 2019 – Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council (GPAC) is pleased to announce the third round of creative professionals to receive a Lift Grant, its newest grant program. Five grantees received a total of $78,400 to accomplish artistic endeavors taking place through October 31, 2019.

The project-specific funding supports the production and presentation of the arts throughout GPAC’s 10-county footprint, lifting both the careers of working artists and the cultural offerings in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Lift Grants are awarded twice a year, with application deadlines in October and April.

"We're thrilled to provide significant financial support for a new round of creative projects in the region. Since its inception in 2018, the Lift Grant has provided $145,000 to 11 artists, collaboratives, and arts organizations," said Mitch Swain, CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council.

Lift Grant Awardees

Women of Visions received $20,000 to create a documentary to capture the history of the organization from its founding members, using their upcoming exhibit "Seats of Power" to contextualize their work.
Mikael Owunna received $20,000 to complete "Infinite Essence," a UV-photography project reimagining the black body as the cosmos.
Lyn Starr received $20,000 to record "Universe 25," a conceptual rap EP based on the research of John B. Calhoun, American ethologist and behavioral researcher , investigating how living in utopia changes behavior.
Flower House received $12,000 to create "Wilkinsburg is our House," the collective's first social practice installation exploring the future of Wilkinsburg.
Liana Maneese received $6,400 to exhibit "Adopting Identity: The Exploration of Lies Luck and Legitimacy."

Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council is one of the few organizations in Pennsylvania that offer grants directly to artists and arts collectives for projects intended to directly lift and advance creative practice. Of this round’s 50 applicants, 17 advanced to the second round of grant proposal reviews, with the final five project proposals selected to receive funding. The Lift Grant was created through generous funding from the Hillman Foundation.

Eligible artists and organizations are welcome to apply for the spring 2019 Lift Grant. Applications are due by Monday, April 29, 2019.

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About the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council

The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council champions the arts in Southwestern Pennsylvania, providing financial, professional, and political support for the arts and culture sector. Comprised of more than 600 diverse artists and nonprofit organizations, the Arts Council offers valuable research, legal and business consulting, networking and professional development opportunities so that artists, as well as arts leaders and organizations, can grow their skills and advance their practice. The Arts Council provides grants for artists and arts organizations, leads the region's arts advocacy at the local, state, and national level, and models best practices for accessibility and equity in the arts.

For interviews with the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, image use requests, and any other media questions, please contact Manager of Communications Lisa Cunningham at 412-391-2060, ext. 227 or lcunningham@pittsburghartscouncil.org.