Pittsburgh area humanities organizations among those sharing $1.4 million in recovery funds

A dozen area humanities organizations received grants of up to $16,000 to bolster their efforts.

The grants were awarded by PA SHARP, it was announced Thursday. PA SHARP stands for Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan.

Making the list of local organizations receiving $16,000 grants were City of Asylum in Pittsburgh’s North Side, the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty, Frick Art & Historical Center, Allegheny Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny County, Forbes Avenue Foundation, and The Mattress Factory. Another was Assemble, which is an organization created to foster learning and creativity.

Saint Vincent College in Latrobe also received a grant of just under $16,000.

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

Applicants to PA SHARP reported losses totaling $176 million, showing the ongoing impact the pandemic has had on the cultural sector.

The organization is an expansion of PA Humanities’ previous recovery work, beginning when the pandemic first affected business operations. Its funding comes PA Humanities’ federal partner, the National Endowment for the Humanities, as part of the American Rescue Plan.

Other area organizations receiving $16,000 PA SHARP grants include the Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka, the Literacy Council of Southwestern PA and the Zelienople Area Public Library.

The Little Lake Theatre Company received a grant of $10,000.