The Pittsburgh-based Heinz Endowments has announced grants totaling $5.4 million to sixteen Black-led cultural organizations across the region.

In collaboration with the POISE Foundation, grants were awarded through the Pittsburgh’s Cultural Treasures program, which was launched over the summer to elevate the contributions and accomplishments of Black-led organizations in the region. Selected from among a hundred and sixty-five Black-led organizations identified by local foundations and cultural leaders, the first cohort of the initiative will receive unrestricted grants ranging from $150,000 to $1 million and have been invited to participate in additional programming to further support and honor Black cultural institutions across the region.

Recipients include 1Hood Media ($250,000); the August Wilson African American Cultural Center ($1 million); Hill Dance Academy Theatre ($500,000); Kelly Strayhorn Theater ($750,000); Manchester Bidwell Corporation ($500,000); Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company ($250,000); and Women of Visions ($150,000).

“Black ingenuity, creativity, and grit are the bedrocks of this country — from plantations to factory production lines and proscenium stages,” said Heinz Endowments arts and culture program officer Shaunda McDill. “Scarcity often creates a challenging environment within which to find joy and celebration. However, Black people continue to do it. We hope we will all find both joy and an opportunity to celebrate with this announcement. There is more work to be done, more resources to be raised, and more counties we need to connect with in order to truly celebrate and honor the artistic and cultural contributions from which we all benefit.”

(Photo credit: Gettyimages/ Shunyu Fan)