In the week following the election, we have seen online and heard in conversation how many of you are grappling with a profound mix of emotions—concern, fear, frustration, and exhaustion. The weight of the political landscape, especially for those who have long carried the burdens of inequity, is undeniably heavy. We see artists as more than their creative practices alone; you are whole people, and we are committed to standing with you in causes that are critical to you as individuals and as members of our broader community.
In this pivotal moment, we are reminded of the vital role that art plays in the fabric of our democracy. The arts are not simply a reflection of our world; they challenge it, imagine new futures, and hold a mirror to the truths we may not want to face. But these freedoms are never guaranteed. They must be fought for, protected, and continually nurtured.
The fight for equality and justice is not a partisan issue; it is a human issue, and it is one that we must all engage with, no matter where we fall on the political spectrum.
We recognize the very real fear that many of us—particularly Black, immigrant, femme, queer, and disabled artists—are carrying. The possibility that the policies and actions of government officials may undermine the safety and liberties of marginalized communities is deeply unsettling. We understand that for so many of you, the fight for a more equitable and just future has been ongoing, exhausting, and often thankless.
We want to affirm this: The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council is committed to ensuring that the arts—and the freedom to create and express—remain protected and supported as foundational pillars of a healthy, thriving democracy. As an organization, we will continue to be a vocal advocate for the arts at both the state and federal levels, working tirelessly to ensure that artists have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to sustain their artistic practices and their well-being. We will also fight to ensure that rest and restoration are recognized as vital components of the creative process—that artists are not pressured to produce work rooted in trauma, and that you are granted permission to pause, recharge, and care for yourselves without guilt or fear.
But our work cannot end there. We also call on those of us in positions of privilege—whether through race, class, ability, or any other facet of identity—to reflect deeply on the ways in which we can use our privilege to support and amplify those who have been historically marginalized. As arts leaders, we have a responsibility to advocate for equity, to stand alongside our colleagues, and to ensure that our actions reflect our commitment to justice. The fight for equality and justice is not a partisan issue; it is a human issue, and it is one that we must all engage with, no matter where we fall on the political spectrum.
In the coming months, the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council will continue to be a space of support, collaboration, and advocacy for all artists. We know that the emotional labor you carry is immense, and that the challenges ahead may seem overwhelming at times. But please know that you are not alone. We are with you. We are fighting for you. And we will continue to stand for the power of the arts to uplift the weary and awaken the indifferent.
With deep gratitude and solidarity,
Patrick Fisher
Chief Executive Officer
Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council
