The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life.
In addition to these programs, Pew often takes a leadership role in financing and fundraising for specific arts and culture projects that have significance in Philadelphia.
Pew has encouraged a revitalization of Philadelphia's arts and cultural scene that is helping to improve the city's broader economic outlook. Sometimes, Pew's efforts go beyond its existing support of arts and culture organizations by bringing leadership and funding into specific projects. For example, Pew helped create the coalition of donors that kept the Thomas Eakins painting The Gross Clinic in Philadelphia.
And when one of the world's premier art institutions—the Barnes Foundation—approached us for help, we worked closely with the Annenberg and Lenfest foundations and other civic leaders to galvanize financial and other support for the Barnes' plan to relocate to a more accessible home in central Philadelphia. (For more information on our role with the Barnes, please see our FAQ.)
Pew also took a leadership role in supporting and raising funds for the new Benjamin Franklin Museum set to open at Independence National Historical Park in summer 2013.
Sep 21, 2009 - This research report from the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance offers specific insights into how the Philadelphia region's diverse population engages with the arts and the report provides specific strategies for cultural organizations looking to build stronger audience connections.
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Jun 25, 2009 - The objectives of this study were to review the capitalization status, needs, and challenges faced by nonprofit arts and culture organizations in the five-county Philadelphia region; clarify how well these organizations understand these needs; and develop recommendations for how organizations’ financial health and capitalization could be improved.
Read: Summary View: Full Report (Adobe PDF)
Apr 30, 2008 - Mount Vernon, the House of Seven Gables, Hearst Castle: We have read about these historic houses, and maybe even visited them. Most likely, we have also been to one of the other historic houses in America. Some thrive, but many are barely solvent. These two articles describe how some redefined their role in the community—and thus stayed true to their mission and purpose.
May 07, 2007 - Thomas Eakins' masterpiece is jointly purchased by the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
May 01, 2007 - The Pew Charitable Trusts pledged $6 million to modernize Franklin Court for the Centennial Challenge initiative to improve our national parks.
May 01, 2006 - America has always had strong opinions about Franklin. Walter Isaacson assesses his relevance as he turns 300.
Feb 01, 2006 - Article describes background and history of Barnes Foundation, its possible demise, and its re-location.
Dec 31, 2005 - A comprehensive guide to the 2005-2006 Philadelphia events celebrating Ben Franklin's 300th birthday.
Oct 01, 2004 - Art museums' community connections.
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