Pa Humanities Announces $1.4 Million in Recovery Funds to 92 Organizations

PA Humanities announced $1.4 million in recovery funds to 92 Pennsylvania organizations. Called PA SHARP (Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan), the initiative provides up to $20,000 in funding to strengthen and grow the humanities across the state. Grantees join the new PA SHARP Learning Network, a statewide learning group that fosters resource sharing, networking, professional development, and mutual support.

Among these grantees are two Blair County organizations:

• Blair County Historical Society, $16,000

• Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania, $16,000

“The humanities are on the ground, putting people first, by making spaces for new voices, supporting meaningful learning experiences, and fostering healing and resiliency in communities of all sizes,” said Laurie Zierer, executive director of PA Humanities. “PA SHARP further strengthens this essential work through network building, financial support, and reimagining the possibilities of the humanities across the state.”

PA Humanities assembled a diverse team of 46 cultural professionals who reviewed a total of 337 applications – 41 percent of which were new applicants. The recipients represent museums, historical societies, libraries, and other vital cultural institutions in 30 counties across Pennsylvania. They were carefully selected with an emphasis on equity and geographic diversity. BIPOC-serving organizations represented 24 percent of the total grantees and 23 percent of grants were to recipients in rural counties.

“This PA SHARP grant will allow us to continue providing free programs to in-person and online audiences across Pittsburgh and the state. At a time of isolation and polarization, the humanities have been instrumental in helping communities stay connected and in dialogue,” said Andrés Franco, executive director of City of Asylum.

Applicants to PA SHARP reported losses totaling $176 million, revealing the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the cultural sector. Funds from PA SHARP will help address this challenge by supporting engaging programming, capacity building, and general operations. In addition to funding, the PA SHARP Learning Network will build a statewide community of people passionate about creating inclusive, engaged communities that are ready to lead the statewide recovery alongside PA Humanities.

“Support from the PA Humanities will enhance our strategic priority to strengthen diversity, equity, and inclusion in our humanities mission. This grant will provide us with the digital tools to ensure our collections and resources represent the communities we serve and provide perspectives from diverse groups and cultures,” said Robert F. Lambert, President of York County Libraries.