PA Cultural Exchange (PaX)
The PA Cultural Exchange Fellowship is a new and innovative program from PA Humanities that convenes humanities, creative and cultural practitioners from across Pennsylvania in a dynamic learning experience designed to deepen relationships, spark creativity, and strengthen the state’s humanities and creative network.
Through immersive weekend gatherings in communities across the state, fellows explore local cultural ecosystems, experience innovative humanities-based community engagement in action, and build meaningful relationships across lines of geography, experience, and perspective. Fellows also participate in virtual workshops and peer learning opportunities, receive a stipend to support participation and community-based projects, and gain opportunities to share their stories through statewide media partnerships.
The fellowship reflects our mission to illuminate the possibilities of our shared humanity through storytelling, learning, and connection. Built on decades of program and grantmaking experience, and informed by recent culture sector research, the fellowship responds to a growing need for connection, collaboration, and shared learning among cultural practitioners. By investing in people, strengthening networks, and supporting “civic catalysts” already building bridges within their communities, the PA Cultural Exchange Fellowship expands what’s possible for the humanities in Pennsylvania.
Applications are due Wednesday, July 8 by 11:59 p.m.
Program Highlights
Three immersive cultural exchanges in Pittsburgh, the PA Wilds and York
Virtual skill-building and leadership workshops
Regional peer coaching groups
Fellows receive a $10,000 award
Seed funding for innovative community-based projects inspired by their fellowship experience
Eligibility
Applicants should be living and working in Pennsylvania and engaged in humanities, creative, cultural, or community-based work. We welcome public humanities practitioners, scholars, academics, artists, educators, librarians, storytellers, organizers, archivists, historians, independent practitioners, and organizational leaders from all levels working in professional, volunteer, or informal capacities.
We are especially interested in people who use storytelling, creative methods, cultural documentation, dialogue, and community engagement as part of their practice; work across differences; value collaboration and exchange; and are eager to learn, share, and build relationships with others across Pennsylvania.
Applicants do not need to be affiliated with an organization to apply. Questions about eligibility? Contact Sr. Manager of Programs, Jen Danifo, at jdanifo@pahumanities.org.
How to apply
We encourage all interested applicants to download and review the program guidelines before applying. When you are ready to apply, simply use the JotForm application link on this page to access and complete your application.
Deadline to apply is July 8, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.
Special informational webinar for interested applicants on June 16, 2026 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Click here to register.
Resources
Advisors
We’re deeply grateful to our trusted advisors for the care and insight they’ve brought to shaping the PA Cultural Exchange. They come from across Pennsylvania and beyond, each offering perspectives rooted in their own lived experiences and fields of work.
Savannah Barrett, Art of the Rural/Kentucky’s Rural Urban Exchange
Chad Beegle, Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance
James Claiborne, The Barnes Foundation
Daniel Egusquiza, Reading Library
Patrick Fisher, Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council
De’Amon Harges, The Learning Tree
Candace Hillyard, PA Route 6 Alliance
Kim Koller-Jones, the Hoyt Art Center
Sarah Merritt, Pennsylvania Creative Industries
Abbi Peters, PA Wilds
Maggie Richardson, PACE Pittsburgh
Funding
The PA Cultural Exchange is made possible through the generous support of Spring Point Partners and The Heinz Endowments, with additional support from Pennsylvania state legislators, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). Together, these partners have invested in our community building work, by supporting humanities scholars, practitioners and creative workers as they strengthen their work with communities and build a vibrant and connected network across the Commonwealth.
