The Philadelphia-based Pew Charitable Trusts has announced grants totaling more than $2.1 million to ten local arts organizations through its Philadelphia Cultural Leadership Program.

Designed to stimulate leadership and encourage best practices in Philadelphia's cultural community, the general operating support grants were awarded to organizations that have demonstrated excellence in their operations, fiscal management, and programming. Since its launch in 1997, the program has awarded more than $64 million to fifty-eight organizations in the greater Philadelphia area.

This year, grant recipients include the Opera Company of Philadelphia ($750,000), the People's Light and Theatre Company ($516,000), the Wilma Theater ($200,000), the Arden Theatre Company ($168,000), the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance ($144,000), the John J. Tyler Arboretum ($96,000), the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society ($96,000), the Main Line Art Center ($84,000), Art Reach ($45,000), and Philadelphia Young Playwrights ($36,000).

"Despite the economic downturn, these organizations have been able to grow audiences and remain fiscally strong while offering a broad array of quality arts opportunities and services for people of all ages and interests," said Gregory Rowe, director of culture initiatives at Pew.