Some organizations within the Philadelphia arts sector will soon be receiving some financial relief.

$1.4 million in federal stimulus funds will be delivered to Philly’s arts sector via The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

The NEA is releasing $57,750,000 in funding to 567 different arts organizations across the nation. This will cover the third round of funding from the American Rescue Plan.

Regarding the 14 Philadelphia organizations receiving funds, grants ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. Philly is set to receive the 7th largest distribution of funds.

The federal stimulus funds come following substantial damage inflicted upon America’s arts sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Funds for the arts sectors of America’s cities are intended to revive and/or continue the development of arts sectors going forward. 

One focus in funding is the opportunity for organizations to hire new team members following losses due to distancing, health worries, and other factors.

Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, shared some concerns for art’s role in the overall future healing processes of the nation:

“Our nation’s arts sector has been among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The [NEA]’s American Rescue Plan funding will help arts organizations rebuild and reopen. The arts are crucial to helping America’s communities heal, unite, and inspire as well as essential to our nation’s economic recovery,” said Jackson.

The American Rescue Plan was originally signed into law in March of 2021. The plan first included $135 million for the National Endowment for the Arts and the arts sector.

The 14 Philly arts sector organizations receiving federal stimulus funds through the NEA include:

• ArtistYear
• Asian Arts Initiative
• Azuka Theatre Collective
• Black Lily, Inc. (aka Blackstar)
• Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, Inc.
• COSACOSA art at large, Inc.
• InterAct, Inc. (aka InterAct Theatre Company)
• Painted Bride Art Center
• Philadelphia Dance Company (aka PHILADANCO!)
• Philadelphia Mural Arts Advocates (aka Mural Arts Philadelphia)
• Philadelphia Orchestra Association (aka The Philadelphia Orchestra)
• Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
• PlayPenn, Inc.
• Shakespeare in Clark Park