We put people first.
Our work champions the humanities — centering growth, equity, and community as a pathway to positive, lasting change.
We believe in contributing our learnings to the larger conversation about the role of the humanities in creating lasting change. We put participatory research at the forefront of all our work and partner with scholars, consultants, and a cross-sector of leaders including Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania’s PennPraxis, Elizabeth Myrick + Associates, and Allegheny Intermediate Unit.
An independent nonprofit that puts people first, PA Humanities relies on financial support from people like you. As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, your support will help more Pennsylvanians experience the humanities and put them in action through civic engagement, education, building community, and however they are inspired to make change.
⭐ Kudos to @philaculture for assembling an all-star line-up for Cultural Dynamics: Co-Creating a Vision for Philadelphia—including María Rosario Jackson, PhD, Chair of @neaarts!
Our executive director Laurie Zierer presented "The State of Philadelphia`s Cultural Community" alongside Patricia Wilson Aden, President and CEO of GPCA. They shared findings from our latest research, including the PA Humanities Discovery Project and PA CultureCheck, which showed the overwhelming importance the humanities and arts to our communities. Laurie also participated in the panel, "The Role of Arts & Culture in Building a Thriving Philadelphia."
Cultural Dynamics united civic leaders, artists, and community members to explore strategies that integrate arts and culture into transformative civic decision-making.
Last week, board and staff from PA Humanities headed to Providence, RI for the National Humanities Conference. This annual event brings together representatives from colleges, universities, state humanities councils, cultural institutions, and other community-based organizations to explore approaches to deepening the public’s engagement with the humanities.
We led many powerful sessions:
-Rediscovering the Humanities: A Journey Through Our Lived Experiences
-Deeper than DEI: How Project Ready is Making Ripples in Library Culture
-Beyond the Dollar: Supporting Grantee Learning & Growth
-Council Board Chair/Member Conversation Constituent Group
-Community Advisory Committees: The Power of Co-Creating Meaningful Humanities Programs
-Breakfast Roundtable Discussion - PA Humanities Discovery Project
-Sharing Stories and Listening to One Another: A 250th Convening
It was an honor to participate again this year, sharing about all our impactful work in Pennsylvania, from our PA Humanities Discovery Project to our DEI initiatives to our people-centered approach to grantmaking. We were also excited to have our Rain Poetry project nominated for a Schwartz Prize, which recognizes exceptional humanities programs across the country.
Thank you to @humfed and @humanitiesall for organizing this event.
Today is the big day! Cultural Dynamics: Co-Creating a Vision for Philadelphia begins at 9:30am. It will unite civic leaders, artists, and community members to explore strategies that integrate arts and culture into transformative civic decision-making. Register for the livestream and find full details. Our executive director Laurie Zierer will speak on the state of Philadelphia`s cultural sector and will be participating in a panel.
Find the registration link in @philaculture`s bio.
🎉 We are excited to announce the addition of John Jackson, Shawn Mooring, and John Sanchez as the three newest members of our Board of Directors!
John L. Jackson Jr. serves as Provost at @uofpenn and holds the title of Richard Perry University Professor at @annenbergpenn. Shawn Mooring is Head of Philadelphia Programs at @lenfestinstitute. John Sanchez is Professor Emeritus at @pennstate.
“We are honored to have these esteemed champions of the humanities join our board.” -Executive Director, Laurie Zierer
“Each brings a profound commitment to the humanities and a wealth of knowledge and experience that will advance our mission and our work across Pennsylvania.” -Board Chair, Gwendolyn White
