ARPA
PENNSYLVANIA ARTS AND CULTURE RECOVERY PROGRAM (PACR)
GRANT FOR WORKING ARTISTS
The ARPA PA Arts and Culture Recovery (PACR) Grant for Working Artists awards $3,000 grants to artists and creative entrepreneurs who derived the majority of their pre-pandemic income from their artistic practice and experienced a significant pandemic-related disruption to their income. Funding for this program is provided by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.
Grant Details
Amount: $3,000
Source: PA Department of Community and Economic Development
Eligibility: Residents of Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, or Potter County
Application Window: September 1, 2024 - May 2026 OR Until funds are depleted
Eligibility Criteria
You are an active artist or creative entrepreneur who was working in your artistic discipline or operating a creative business in 2019.
In 2019, you made the majority of your income from your creative work.
You experienced a pandemic-related disruption to your income.
Had to be at least 18 years old in 2019
You are a full-time resident of Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, or Potter County.
Priority Funding
Elk County on the Arts was awarded funds to make 10 grants, and we anticipate high demand. At this time, ECCOTA will prioritize the following requests, in this order:
Applicants who did not receive the NWPA recovery grant 2021-2023.
Applicants who did not receive PPP loans distributed in 2020/2021.
Applicants located in Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, or Potter Counties.
BIPOC applicants and those located in low-income communities*.
Severity of disruption to income stream.
*In alignment with the PA Council on the Arts’ equity goals for its creative entrepreneur accelerator program, ECCOTA will use the CDFI Fund New Markets Tax Credit (<80% AMI) map, working towards a goal of 51% of funds distributed to individuals located in these communities and BIPOC applicants.
Application Requirements
Proof of residency, 2019 tax return, and one tax return from 2020-2023, whichever demonstrates the greatest difference in creative income. Describe the pandemic's impact on your creative career. Biography, up to 3 work samples, optional demographic information. Applications will be accepted virtually through Submittable or physically through the mail. Physical applications will be accepted and must be postmarked by the deadline to be considered.
Selection Process
Application Period: September 1st, 2024 - Until funds are depleted (Applications will close by May 15th 2026)
Notification of Funding Decisions: Funding decision will be made on a rolling basis. The following dates are subject to change, should funds be depleted.
January 15, 2025
May 15, 2025
September 15, 2025
January 15, 2026
May 15, 2026
Submission
Online Submission: Please return to this page during the application period for a link to the application.
Physical Submission: Mail the application and required supporting documentation to 237 Main Street, Ridgway, PA 15853. Submissions must be postmarked by the deadline to be considered.
Application Assistance
Virtual or in person information sessions can be held to assist applicants. Please reach out via email to kylee@eccota.com
Review Process
All applications will be reviewed by Elk County Council on the Arts staff for eligibility. Eligible Applications will then be reviewed by ECCOTA Staff. Final recommendations will be presented to the ECCOTA Board of Directors for approval.