Pittsburgh, CDCP Launch Grant for Artists Hit by COVID-19

Published on May 06, 2025

Office of the Mayor - City Seal

City of Pittsburgh and Casey Droege Cultural Productions Launch New Grant Program to Support Local Artists Affected by COVID-19 

Pittsburgh, PA – In an effort to further revitalize Pittsburgh’s creative community, the City of Pittsburgh, in collaboration with Casey Droege Cultural Productions (CDCP), is launching the Support for Artists Grant Program—a $125,000 initiative funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to aid artists whose livelihoods were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This program will provide a total of $125,000 in direct financial support to city artists whose livelihoods were disrupted by the pandemic. Seventy-five individual artists will be awarded one-time grants of $500, $1,500, or $3,000. These grants are designed to uplift Pittsburgh’s diverse creative community and fuel the city’s cultural resurgence. 

"Artists were among the hardest hit during the pandemic, and we’re excited to help reinvigorate this essential sector through meaningful investment," said Mayor Ed Gainey. “This grant program recognizes the vital role artists play in shaping our city’s identity and economy.” 

Artists working across all creative disciplines—visual, performing, literary, and more—are encouraged to apply. To qualify, applicants must be current Pittsburgh residents. Each grant will be distributed as a one-time payment. 

A panel of city representatives and local arts stakeholders will review applications. Eligible applications will be entered into a lottery for final selection. 

Applications opened yesterday, May 5, 2025 and must be submitted by June 16, 2025 at 11:59 PM. To apply and learn more, visit: https://caseydroege.com/support4artists. 

Eligibility Requirements Include: 

  • Current residency within the City of Pittsburgh 

  • Age 22+ (or 18+ as of March 3, 2021) 

  • Demonstrated loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic 

  • Active artistic practice before and after March 3, 2021 

Additional lottery entries will be given to: 

  • Artists who did not previously receive any COVID-19 relief from any local arts foundations. 

  • Artists who are at or below the federal poverty level. 

  • Artists whose creative practice is the sole source of household income. 

To help applicants navigate the process, CDCP will host several free information sessions, including three in-person events and one virtual Q&A via Zoom. Computer and application support will be available on-site at the in-person sessions. Full event details and registration links can be found at https://caseydroege.com/support4artists-infosession. Attendees are asked to register for just one in-person session to ensure access for all. 

Casey Droege Cultural Productions was selected to administer this program following a competitive solicitation and subsequent City Council authorization. 

About Casey Droege Cultural Productions (CDCP) 

Founded in 2016, Casey Droege Cultural Productions is an artist-run, woman- and disability-owned business dedicated to expanding the impact of the arts economy. Through exhibitions, programs, and consulting services, CDCP connects artists to the public and to clients who value creative collaboration. Working with CDCP helps support a sustainable and inclusive future for Pittsburgh’s vibrant arts community.

Olga George
Press Secretary
Mayor's Office
olga.george@pittsburghpa.gov
412-627-0679

 

 

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