PNC Extends Arts Alive Program By $1 Million; Grants Accepted For 2014 Programming

Initial PNC Arts Alive grants totaling $1.5 million over three years have supported central Ohio arts organizations, driven greater audience attendance

COLUMBUS, OH, Dec. 3, 2012 — The PNC Foundation announced today a $1 million, four-year extension for PNC Arts Alive, an innovative program supporting visual and performing arts in central Ohio with a focus on increasing audience participation and engagement.

First launched in 2010 and currently in its second year of grant programming, PNC Arts Alive has already provided 39 grants totaling $1.5 million to central Ohio arts organizations. The program has earned local and national commendation from the Greater Columbus Arts Council and Americans for the Arts in New York City.

“Through the first years of PNC Arts Alive grant programming, we have seen organizations increase audiences, create new collaborations and partnerships, lower the barriers to participation and achieve direct business benefits that enhanced their sustainability,” said Michael Gonsiorowski, PNC Bank regional president for central Ohio. “By extending PNC Arts Alive, we will continue to build upon this positive momentum, support new and imaginative arts programs that enrich our community and will help strengthen our local economy.”

Grant Proposals Welcome
PNC will accept grant proposals for increments of $20,000 and above from qualified arts organizations that support fresh and emerging arts programs, value-added public programming and creative use of technology, while seeking to expand audiences. Proposals can be submitted beginning Jan. 15, 2013 and are due by Feb. 15, 2013. Additional information about program guidelines and the application process is available at www.pncartsalive.com.

The next round of grants will be announced in June 2013.

To maximize the benefits of PNC Arts Alive locally, PNC partnered with leading community arts organizations including the Greater Columbus Arts Council and the Ohio Arts Council, using their input to bring the program to the region.

Organizations funded to date have spanned the Columbus metropolitan and regional communities, representing disciplines including music, dance, theater and visual arts. The funded programs have blended traditional and new media into performances and include components that offer unique cultural and alternative learning experiences. A complete list of previous grant recipients is available athttp://pncartsalive.com/columbus/grantees.php.

“The PNC Arts Alive program has been a tremendous asset to central Ohio and to the region’s ongoing efforts to leverage our rich cultural resources,” said City Councilmember Priscilla Tyson. “By making the arts accessible to more people, PNC has not only increased the number of arts participants, but also has helped cultivate a generation of future patrons for museums and the performing arts.”

PNC Arts Alive builds on PNC’s commitment to economic and community development in central Ohio. Through PNC Grow Up Great, a multi-year, bilingual initiative in early childhood education, PNC has worked with COSI and BalletMet to improve school readiness.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com ) is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. 

SOURCE: PNC