Pew Awards More Than $2 Million to Cultural Organizations in Philadelphia Region

The Pew Charitable Trusts today announced grants totaling $2,135,000 to 10 Philadelphia-area arts and cultural organizations. The awards are being provided through Pew's Philadelphia Cultural Leadership Program (PCLP), which gives unrestricted general operating support to organizations in the region that demonstrate excellence in operations, fiscal management and programming. The 2012 PCLP organizations are:

• Arden Theatre Company
• Art Reach
• Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
• John J. Tyler Arboretum
• Main Line Art Center
• Opera Company of Philadelphia
• People's Light and Theatre Company
• Philadelphia Chamber Music Society
• Philadelphia Young Playwrights
• Wilma Theater

Full descriptions and grant amounts are below.

Collectively, these organizations generate more than $10 million per year and reach over 300,000 residents and visitors through exhibitions, performances, collections, and workshops.

“Despite the economic downturn, these organizations have been able to grow audiences and remain fiscally strong, while offering a broad array of quality arts opportunities and services for people of all ages and interests,” says Gregory Rowe, director of Culture Initiatives at Pew.

PCLP grants are awarded to high-performing organizations through a competitive review process using experts from outside the region.  The program aims to stimulate leadership and encourage best practices in the cultural community so groups can provide high quality programs on a sustained basis.  Since 1997, Pew has awarded 200 PCLP grants totaling more than $64 million to 58 organizations.

2012 Philadelphia Cultural Leadership Program Grantees

Arden Theatre Company — $168,000
Presents up to seven productions each year, including two for children, from its modern facility in Old City.

Art Reach — $45,000
Brings cultural events and special art programs to disadvantaged and disabled communities through workshops, performances and a program that provides free tickets to many of the region's other cultural institutions.

Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance — $144,000
Expands awareness of, and support for, arts and culture in the region through research, publications and programs, while serving as a resource to its 410 member organizations. 

John J. Tyler Arboretum — $96,000
Conserves the plant collection and natural environment of the oldest and largest arboretum in the northeastern United States.

Main Line Art Center — $84,000
Advances understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts through exhibitions and classes serving people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Opera Company of Philadelphia — $750,000
Presents three major productions each season at the historic Academy of Music, as well as two smaller productions of contemporary works in the Kimmel Center's Perelman Theater.

People's Light and Theatre Company — $516,000
Maintains a full-time, resident company of actors who serve an audience of both adults and young people by offering eight plays each season.

Philadelphia Chamber Music Society — $96,000
Provides performances by world-renowned chamber music ensembles and solo artists encompassing a broad range of musical styles, periods and repertoire.

Philadelphia Young Playwrights — $36,000
Promotes literacy, creativity and academic skills for students in grades K–12 through a program designed to inspire learning through playwriting.

Wilma Theater — $200,000
Stages four innovative productions each year from its 300-seat, state-of-the-art home on South Broad Street.

Photo Credit on Homepage: G. Widman for GPTMC