
Arts & Culture

What We Fund: Learn about Arts & Culture's funding priorities, objectives, and grantmaking approach

Eligibility Guidelines: Determine if your organization and project are eligible for an Arts & Culture grant

Geographic Focus: See our geographic parameters for Arts & Culture grants

How to Apply: Learn how to apply for an Arts & Culture grant

Arts & Culture

Diverse artistic expression is a hallmark of a healthy region.

Through the Arts & Culture program, we provide various types of core operating support for arts groups and cultural institutions, enabling them to pursue their creative missions with confidence in their organization’s future. We also fund work that broadly advances the region’s cultural sector. Our funding strategies promote artistic achievement and encourage public participation in and support for the arts.

RELATED NEWS

Charting a Future for Creativity and Culture in Montgomery County With funding from the William Penn Foundation, leaders in Montgomery County are developing a plan to shape the cultural and economic future of their communities.

A World of Dance in Philadelphia Through a programming partnership with DanceUSA/Philadelphia, Media Independence (MiND-TV) has produced a new series of programs showcasing the excellence and diversity of dance in Philadelphia using performance and interview footage to capture the artistry of some of the city's most exciting dance companies.

Raíces y Puentes (Roots & Bridges): How a Latino Cultural Organization Grows How does a Latino cultural organization grow and flourish in its artistic mission during these difficult times for small nonprofits?

Cultural Health During the Recession The 2011 Portfolio report provides the first examination of the impact of the recession on the arts in our region.

From Promising to Paragon Philadelphia's Arden Theatre has long been known for its artistic excellence, but smart choices about its capital needs are just as important to its success.

Nonprofit Fiscal Health and Operating Reserves Leaders of fiscally healthy nonprofits need to have a good understanding of their organization’s capitalization structure and operating reserve needs. A workgroup led by the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at The Urban Institute has developed a toolkit to help.

Artists We Admire: Works from Abington Art Center An exhibition of artworks curated by Abington Art Center is currently on display at the William Penn Foundation's offices.

A Wake Up Call for Arts Groups and Their Funders An eye-opening study of capitalization in Greater Philadelphia's cultural sector is changing the way the Foundation thinks about the financial health of arts groups.

Capitalization in Philadelphia's Nonprofit Cultural Sector A new report released by TDC of Boston underscores the need for Philadelphia’s arts and culture groups, service organizations, and funders to address capitalization needs within the nonprofit sector.

Philadelphia Public Art: The Full Spectrum Breathtaking public art is a defining feature of Philadelphia’s urban and civic fabric. Whether it’s a world-renowned Calder sculpture on the Parkway, an exhibition of local artists in City Hall, or a mural that tells the story of a neighborhood, public art shapes how we experience our fellow citizens’ cultural expression and it is a primary signal to visitors that they are in a unique and special place.

Annotated Bibliography on Research Related to Arts for Children & Youth The Foundation has initiated a community-wide effort to reinvigorate arts education for Philadelphia’s children and youth. The following is a digest of research demonstrating the positive effects of arts education on young people. It is a snapshot of key studies that have influenced the Foundation’s point of view and approach.

Strategies for Sustaining the Arts in Philadelphia In an interview with Patricia Horn, formerly of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Kevin McCarthy of the RAND Corporation elaborates on the role that Philadelphia should take in supporting arts and culture, and talks about what the city’s next leaders should do to establish a new, more effective Office of Arts and Culture.

Area Cultural Groups Adjust to Changing Audience Patterns As Greater Philadelphia's audiences evolve and change, the region's arts and cultural organizations face the challenge of adapting the ways in which they relate to their audiences and consumers. In a new monograph, the Foundation explores several exciting and innovative approaches that show great promise for arts groups.