Small Arts Initiative

Small Arts Initiative is sponsored by The Heinz Endowments. The Small Arts Initiative recognizes the contributions of small, professional arts organizations to the Pittsburgh region, aiming to further their development and the artists with whom they work.

Heinz Endowments - Arts & Culture Silver Eye Center for Photography’s “Ajamu X FIERCE: Pittsburgh” exhibition opening in partnership with Rainbow Serpent; image credit: Tara Geyer, courtesy of Silver Eye Center for Photography. Art tells our stories and inspires our curiosity. It has the power to bring us together.

A vibrant arts and culture scene doesn’t happen by chance. It is built through organizations, partnerships and spaces that allow creativity to take root and grow.

Our goal is to strengthen the arts and culture ecosystem in southwestern Pennsylvania through grants for nonprofit organizations, so it is resilient and community centered — representing diverse ideas, connecting people and providing opportunity for artists to build sustainable careers.

At The Heinz Endowments, we take a long-term, collaborative approach to supporting the organizations and communities that make up southwestern Pennsylvania's arts ecosystem.

We believe southwestern Pennsylvania’s cultural future depends on every community member feeling a sense of belonging, where long-standing institutions and emerging voices co-exist and co-create, and where artistic excellence deepens the connections that make our region feel like home. Our approach is grounded in what we've learned through research, data and relationships.

We advance our Arts & Culture strategy through three interconnected investment areas. We support organizations that strengthen the systems the arts community relies on — through field coordination, shared resources, research and advocacy — so that arts organizations can focus more energy on their work and the communities they serve.

We support organizations that expand access to the arts and deepen connection to community — removing barriers so that more people can experience the arts.

Creative Workforce Pathways We offer grant opportunities for nonprofits and support organizations that provide structured pathways into paid creative work — through training programs, apprenticeships and industry partnerships — so that talented people can build sustainable careers in southwestern Pennsylvania. Our focus is to strengthen the broader arts and culture ecosystem.

We do not fund one-time projects; programming without systems, infrastructure, or community impact strategy; or requests that benefit a single organization without advancing the broader arts and culture ecosystem. LEARN MORE ABOUT APPLYING FOR A GRANT We support these and other arts and culture organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania.

For a full list of supported projects and organizations, visit our searchable database of grants awarded . Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) provides opportunity for Pittsburgh’s arts community by commissioning and producing original theater, music, dance and multimedia works that represent the kaleidoscope of diversity of our region.

Carnegie Museum of Art’s extensive slate of public programs creates opportunities for community connectedness and belonging by purposefully engaging youth, families and individuals from across our region.

Tech25 believes that a strong, sustainable arts and culture community that makes talent want to stay here – and draws it from outside our region – means investing in training that leads to living wage careers in creativity-related industries. Statement of Change, Spring 2026 We are always assessing our work and seeking opportunities to make a positive impact.

Following an 18-month period of research, analysis and careful consideration of our region’s creative sector, our staff and board of trustees endorsed an evolution of this work.

As we move forward, we are prioritizing investments that create broad, ecosystem-level benefits – including shared infrastructure, increased participation and sense of belonging, and workforce pathways – so impact extends beyond any single artist or organization.

If you or your organization are thinking about applying for a grant or are wondering if your organization may be a good partner for the Endowments’ updated Arts & Culture strategy, please consider these questions: Does your project or organization build shared infrastructure that benefits multiple artists or partners?

Does it lead with strategies to increase participation, remove visible and invisible barriers, and consistently offer meaningful, welcoming practices that contribute to a sense of belonging? Does it support workforce pathways into paid creative work? Are strong quantitative and qualitative measures in place for the project from start to finish?

If you have questions about what this strategy means for the proposal you are considering, we are here to help at [email protected] . New and returning applicants should complete a letter of inquiry first before contacting staff or completing a grant application. Visit the “Grants Process & How to Apply” section of our Grants page for more information.

Meet The Heinz Endowments Arts & Culture Team Jasmin DeForrest Managing Director Connect with Jasmin: Email | LinkedIn Cindi Stueber Program Assistant Mac Howison Senior Program Officer Connect with Mac: Email | LinkedIn Frequently Asked Questions What do you mean by the “arts and culture ecosystem”?

We use “ecosystem” to describe the interconnected network of organizations, artists, spaces, and support systems (for example: training centers, associations and shared services) that make arts and culture possible in our region. Our strategy focuses on strengthening these shared systems so that more organizations and artists can thrive, and more people can experience the arts and enjoy a vibrant, creative culture.

My organization has received funding in the past. Will this new strategy affect our funding? Yes.

All new Arts & Culture grants will align with the new strategy. We welcome both returning and new partners — what matters is whether the proposed work advances our strategic goals. Will this strategy prioritize small, medium or large arts organizations?

Organization size does not determine eligibility — what matters is the impact of your work on the broader arts ecosystem. I'm an artist. Can I apply for a grant?

No. The Heinz Endowments does not fund individual artists directly. However, many of the organizations we support offer grants, residencies, training, and other opportunities for artists — we encourage you to explore those partnerships as a pathway to support. I have a question that isn't answered here.

Who can I contact? Please send your question to [email protected] and our team will be happy to help. National Geographic: Why Pittsburgh is one of America’s most underrated cities to visit in 2026 This National Geographic piece uplifts the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene - including the Max Vanka murals pictured here - as a primary reason to visit Pittsburgh.

New York Times declares that the Pittsburgh Symphony “plays how a symphony should sound” A 2025 New York Times review of the PSO’s recent appearance at NYC’s Carnegie Hall describes the performance as “orchestral sophistication of the highest order. ” New civic space in Downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District offers community, world-class public art & inspiration.

Arts Landing pays homage to the artistic talent, practice and diversity of our city. The inaugural installation at this new public space features the work of 10 artists with strong ties to the Pittsburgh region. Get to know them!