Policy and Action Roundtable

Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council's Policy & Action Roundtable. March 5, Point Park University

Thursday, March 5, 20269 - 11:30AM

Point Park University Ballroom at Lawrence Hall (201 Wood St., Downtown)

This event is wheelchair accessible

$15

The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council invites members of the arts ecosystem and culture sector to participate in the inaugural Policy and Action Roundtable, featuring a direct conversation with leadership from the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

This convening will bring together artists, cultural workers, nonprofit leaders, and public officials to discuss shared priorities, policy barriers, and opportunities for collaboration that shape the future of Pittsburgh’s cultural ecosystem.

Light breakfast will be provided, and community members have the opportunity to submit policy-related questions for consideration ahead of the event.

Safe(r) Space Policy and Community Agreements: By registering for this event, you agree to abide to the Arts Council's Safe(r) Space Policy and Community Agreements

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What to Expect

This roundtable is designed as a working conversation, one that moves beyond presentations and toward dialogue grounded in real experiences from the field. Participants will hear directly from elected leadership, explore alignment between public priorities and sector needs, and help surface policy and systems challenges that require collective attention.

Key Topics

  • The role of arts, culture, and creative workers in Pittsburgh’s future
  • Alignment between City priorities and the needs of the cultural sector
  • Policy and systems barriers experienced by artists and organizations
  • Allegheny County cultural planning: vision, scope, and next steps
  • The return of approximately $13 million to the RAD grant pool following stadium bond retirement, and how future investments might be informed

Why Attend

  • Engage directly with City and County leadership
  • Contribute to shaping shared advocacy priorities
  • Learn about upcoming policy and funding opportunities
  • Connect with peers across disciplines and communities
  • Help inform future Arts Council advocacy efforts

 

Featured Participants

Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor (he/him)

Man in suit stands smiling in office between two flags
Corey O’Connor is the sixty-second mayor of the City of Pittsburgh. Mayor O’Connor brings with him a record of listening and prioritizing the voices of Pittsburgh residents, including its most vulnerable; making tough decisions under difficult circumstances; helping to deliver effective and efficient city services; and leading transformational change that maximizes opportunity and growth for all Pittsburghers. Mayor O’Connor is committed to making Pittsburgh more transparent, efficient, accessible, safe, and vibrant.

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato (she/her)

Woman in a maroon blazer smiling, standing indoors with blurred background.
Sara Innamorato was sworn in as the Allegheny County Executive on January 2, 2024. The Innamorato Administration’s guiding principle is to build a strong Allegheny County for All – one that serves the more than 1.2 million residents of Allegheny County – built on a foundation of dignity and respect.

Highlighted Voices

Max Emiliano Gonzales (they/them)

A person with long hair leans against a chain link fence outdoors.
Guest Blog Contributor Max Emiliano Gonzales, also known by their artist name “GEMS,” can be classified as an activist, art educator, muralist, graffiti writer, curator, and much more. Originally from the Southwest side of Chicago and raised in Latino communities, Max brings a unique perspective to Pittsburgh and their Garfield community. Max was brought to Pittsburgh in 2012 to attend Carnegie Mellon University's Fine Art program on a full-ride Scholarship. By 2016, Max had graduated with honors, secured multiple positions with the university, and was arrested as Pittsburgh’s most wanted graffiti artist. Rather than let the notoriety of their graffiti identity dwindle, Max has gone on to develop a career from it as a practicing artist, muralist, curator, and art educator.

Sallyann Kluz (she/her)

Woman with short hair and glasses smiling outdoors in sunlight
Executive Director, Shiftworks Community + Public Arts

Sallyann Kluz, AIA, is an arts administrator, architect, and urban designer based in Pittsburgh, with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of art, community, and public space. Her practice focuses on creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who inhabit them. By weaving together public art programs, community engagement, design education, and neighborhood development strategies, she aims to expand the role of artists in civic and community life.

Jessica Gaynelle Moss (she/her)

Woman with long dark hair and black shirt standing against a beige background.
Guest Blog Contributor

Jessica Gaynelle Moss is an artist who supports other artists through her curatorial work, consultancy and custodianship. Over the past decade, Jessica has built a body of work centered on shaping space, cultural preservation and intergenerational care.

Noelle Rozo (she/her)

Woman with curly hair stands by graffiti-covered wall, looking up at the camera.
Guest Blog Contributor Noelle Rozo is a ceramist, interpreter/translator, educator, and activist. Born and raised in Brazil, Noelle’s life has always revolved around community and mutual aid. Whether she’s guiding kindergarteners, advocating for immigrant rights, or shaping a new sculpture, her goal remains the same: finding ways to improve the human experience outside the constraints of capitalism. Noelle spends her time advocating for others and sculpting new ways to exist, resist, love and care in a busy world.

Event accessibility is our priority

The Arts Council is committed to making its programs accessible to everyone - even virtual events. If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate in this event, please email events@pittsburghartscouncil.org at least two weeks prior to the event. Event accommodations may include ASL; Open Captioning; Audio Description; digital, large-print or Braille materials, etc. If an accommodation would be helpful and the lead time is less than two weeks, please let us know so we can make every effort to help you fully participate. To learn more, check out our Event Accessibility page.