Advocating for arts-centric policies is is a core part of our mission.
At a time when the federal government is targeting our most vulnerable communities, protecting the arts is more urgent than ever. Advocacy is central to our work as we find ways to connect decision-makers, funders, and public officials with the creative community. Here, we're sharing a selection of some of our current advocacy priorities and initiatives.
Advocacy in the Arts
Communicating advocacy initiatives and updates
Advocacy in the Arts is the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council's monthly arts advocacy newsletter, created to keep you informed, connected, and inspired around the critical issues shaping our region’s arts sector.
Trump’s Impact on the Arts
A Running List of Updates
Within his first 24 hours in office, President Trump rescinded many of former President Biden’s previous executive orders. In the days that followed, threats of federal funding cuts caused concerns throughout the arts and culture community. This blog serves as a running list of updates as we gather more info on how the new administration is affecting our sector.
Your Voice Matters
Setting Arts Priorities for Pittsburgh’s Next Mayor
As Pittsburgh prepares for a change in mayoral leadership, the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council convened a diverse group of voices from across the sector, including practicing artists, nonprofit leaders, and founders and workers from for-profit creative businesses. Over the course of three months, this group identified nine key priorities to strengthen the city’s strategies, policies, and investments, ensuring Pittsburgh continues to grow as a contemporary global city where creativity is valued, supported, and allowed to thrive.
We're now asking for community feedback before presenting the final list of priorities to the mayoral candidates ahead of the November election.
Additional Resources
Take Action
Want more funding to go to the arts? Worried about the lack of state-supported arts education? Connecting with your elected officials is often the easiest — and most effective — way individuals can influence change.
Arts Advocates and Government Funders
The national and state arts budgets are regularly debated issues. Government grants comprise a small but significant portion of arts nonprofit funding, as they have been shown to attract investment from other private and public funders. Annual funding appropriations are determined by the House and Senate Appropriations Committees overseeing the U.S. Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies.