READING, PA — Eight arts organizations based in Berks County are set to receive a total of $405,809 in grant funding. The Pennsylvania legislature’s Commonwealth Financing Authority approved the funding this week as part of the PA Arts and Culture Recovery Program (PACR).
The PACR was established by the Pennsylvania legislature to ensure the stability and recovery of the state’s arts and culture sector in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides grants to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, local arts and culture districts, and arts and culture professionals, using federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars.
“Supporting local arts and culture is an investment in creativity and an investment in the heart and soul of Berks County,” state Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) said. She added that today’s funding announcement ensures that Pennsylvania’s arts and culture sector will continue to thrive.
The eight award recipients and their respective funding totals are:
- Berks Art Council: $187,715 from two grants to distribute pandemic recovery payments to arts and culture professionals in Berks, Lancaster, and Schuylkill Counties, and for operating costs and establishing new programs.
- GoggleWorks Center for the Art: $56,258 to establish new outreach and marketing programs.
- Foundation for the Reading Public Museum: $40,000 to establish new programs and marketing initiatives.
- Reading Symphony Orchestra: $37,929 for operating costs.
- Yocum Institute for Arts Education: $36,668 for operating expenses.
- Reading Musical Foundation: $23,688 for operating expenses.
- Barrio Alegria: $13,551 for operating expenses.
- Berks Youth Chorus: $10,000 for operating and marketing expenses.
Each organization will use the funds to continue providing art and culture to the community, ensuring that Berks County remains a vibrant and creative hub.
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