Notice

Creative Districts Program Supports Local Economies

Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, has launched the new Pennsylvania Creative Districts program to help communities strengthen local economies by promoting arts, culture, and other creative assets. The initiative is designed to support downtown revitalization, improve public spaces, increase tourism, and help communities build stronger local identities through creative sector development.

Communities selected as official Creative Districts can receive up to $50,000 annually for five years to support programming, public art, district management, community engagement, and creative business development. In addition to funding, participating communities will gain access to technical assistance, planning resources, statewide promotion opportunities, and networking with other districts across Pennsylvania.

The program is open to Pennsylvania-based nonprofits and local governments. Interested communities must submit a Letter of Intent by June 12, 2026, before completing planning activities and submitting a full application by January 15, 2027.

State officials say the program is intended to help communities recognize and elevate the unique cultural assets that make them distinctive while supporting economic growth and long-term community development.

More information is available through Pennsylvania Creative Industries.