The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage has announced grants and fellowships totaling more than $10.5 million in support of cultural organizations and artists in the Philadelphia area.

Twenty-nine grants of up to $400,000, plus an additional 20 percent in general operating support, were awarded to cultural projects across the city, with many focused on historically underrepresented perspectives. Recipients include the African American Museum in Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, in support of a collaboration to commission and present works of thirty contemporary artists that address inequities in American art history; the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, for a sculptural work at the Awbury Arboretum that explores how trees can combat the effects of climate change in urban communities; the Pig Iron Theatre Company, in support of a collaboration with filmmaker, writer, and director Josephine Decker that will focus on the experiences of pregnancy and motherhood; the Philadelphia City Archives, for an installation that depicts how a Philadelphia neighborhood known as the Old Seventh Ward was an important center of Black culture; and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, in support of an exhibition that will combine storytelling and music with a scientific study of water.

In addition, fellowships of $75,000 were awarded to a dozen artists working in the disciplines of music, performance, visual art, film, poetry, and writing. Ten of the artists live and work in Philadelphia, while two are from outside the region and were recognized through the Pew Fellows-in-Residence program. Fellows include Jacob Cooper, who blends classical and popular music influences in compositions that draw from a traditionally religious repertoire; Jaamil Olawale Kosoko, whose works incorporate elements of dance, music, poetry, and visual art to explore Black and queer identity; and fellow-in-residence Raven Chacon, a composer and sound artist working in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the Navajo Nation whose compositions combine contemporary chamber music with self-made electronic and acoustic instruments.

"At this moment of acute challenge precipitated by COVID-19, our grants represent a steadfast belief in the resilience of the Philadelphia region's cultural community and the abiding importance of the arts in civic life," said Pew Center executive director Paula Marincola. "These grants affirm and bolster the cultural sector in continuing its essential work: nurturing creative practice and presenting innovative public programs that deeply connect us to one another as they illuminate diverse personal experiences and some of today’s most pressing issues."

For a complete list of the 2020 grant recipients, see the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage website.

(Photo credit: African-American Art Museum in Philadelphia)