NEA Grant Awarded to GPAC

Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council receives NEA Art Works Grant. Fully-funded proposal supports accessibility to the arts in Southwestern PA

National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Acting Chairman Joan Shigekawa announced that Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council is one of 895 nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive an NEA Art Works grant.   Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council is recommended for a $30,000 grant to support a series of workshops to help the arts non-profit community in Southwestern Pennsylvania learn the tools and gain skills needed to help their arts venues, performances, exhibitions and related programs become more accessible to patrons with disabilities.

States Mitch Swain, CEO of GPAC, “We’re very appreciative of the NEA’s support for our accessibility programs. NEA participation is a strong seal of approval for the collaborative effort undertaken here to make our area’s arts and culture programs most accessible.” Featuring national experts on ADA and the arts, GPAC will host Art Ability Access, a series of workshops February 19 – May 7.  With topics ranging from emergency evacuation to customer service to working with artists with disabilities, the interactive workshops will help non-profits comply with ADA and meet customer need.  Marketing and outreach to people with disabilities as well as a special workshop for ASL interpreters continue to provide practical tools to expand accessibility. Each workshop will lead off with a short performance or presentation by an artist with a disability.

2014 marks the fourth year that the Increasing Accessibility in Pittsburgh Arts and Culture Initiative has been transforming Pittsburgh into a national model of collaboration.  Our region proudly demonstrates how a coordinated effort by cultural organizations representing all disciplines and budgets can welcome people with disabilities into the arts community. Acting Chairman Shigekawa said, "The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support these exciting and diverse arts projects that will take place throughout the United States. Whether it is through a focus on education, engagement, or innovation, these projects all contribute to vibrant communities and memorable experiences for the public to engage with the arts."  Art Works grants support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence: public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and enhancing the livability of communities through the arts.  The NEA received 1,528 eligible Art Works applications, requesting more than $75 million in funding.   Of those applications, 895 are recommended for grants for a total of $ 23.4 million. For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at arts.gov.