Links
Local and national arts & culture organizations
Western Pennsylvania
Beyond our region
Western Pennsylvania
Allegheny Regional Asset District
ARAD supports numerous civic, recreational and cultural entities in our region.
Artists and Cities Inc.
Founded in 1994 and incorporated in 1997, Artists and Cities Inc. is a nonprofit real estate
development and resource organization that works to foster community and economic growth by helping
to ensure an integral place for professional creative people in Pittsburgh’s future. We do this through
developing living and working space for artists and arts organizations, by reclaiming historic buildings
in city neighborhoods and by offering consulting services to individuals and groups interested in owning
and developing their own spaces.
Arts Education Collaborative
AEC works to advance student learning and achievement, in and through the arts.
Associated Artists of Pittsburgh
Associated Artists of Pittsburgh (AAP) is a nonprofit artist-run organization that exists to support
regional artists through contemporary visual arts exhibitions and educational outreach programs which
contribute to the cultural vitality of the community. AAP operates a multi-floor gallery and offices
in the Pittsburgh Cultural District.
Bach Choir of Pittsburgh
The Bach Choir of Pittsburgh has evolved from an organization devoted exclusively to the study
and performance of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach to a large concert choir that performs major
choral works by many composers, from the Renaissance to the twenty-first century.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
CLP provides information for patrons on library activities and holdings, with links to branches in the region.
Carnegie Library Movie and Film Links
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
There are four distinctly different museums under this umbrella organization which are the
Carnegie Museum of Art, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Science Center and
the Andy Warhol Museum.
Chatham Baroque
Chatham Baroque’s lively interpretations, stylistic innovation and dazzling technique transport
audiences from the elegant French court of Louis XIV to the taverns of England, from the Scottish
highlands to the exquisite palaces of Peru. Honored by National Public Radio as “Best New Classical
Artist of 1999,” Chatham Baroque is Ensemble-in-Residence at Chatham College and WQED-FM Pittsburgh
and tours internationally and throughout the United States.
Dance Alloy
Dance Alloy is a contemporary dance company and school in Pittsburgh under the artistic direction
of Mark Taylor. The Alloy maintains a performing company of five full time dancers as well as a
broad program of movement education initiatives, including the Dance Alloy School. Mark Taylor
is the principal choreographer for the company. In addition to his work, the Alloy commissions
special projects from guest choreographers including Tere O’Connor, Elizabeth Streb, David Roussève,
Ann Carlson and Michael Pili Pang. Dance Alloy tours widely and is noted for conducting extended
residencies in communities where they lead workshops, teach to a broad range of populations
(both dancers and non-dancers) and frequently collaborate with local artists in the creation of
new work.
The Frick Art and Historical Center
The Frick Art and Historical Center is a fascinating complex of museums and historical buildings
located on over five acres of lawns and gardens in Pittsburgh’s residential East End. The Center
is devoted to the interpretation of the life and times of industrialist and art collector Henry
Clay Frick. Exhibitions of fine and decorative art are also presented at the Center.
Gateway to the Arts
Gateway to the Arts seeks to transform the lives and education of students through exposure
to and active involvement in the arts. Key to inspiring lifelong learning through the arts are
the partnerships developed with professional artists, educators, arts organizations, schools,
students, parents and grant makers. Engaging learners through curriculum-based performances,
artists-in-residence programs and professional development for educators and artists, Gateway
to the Arts builds and sustains the quality of arts in education throughout western Pennsylvania.
Hope Academy
Hope Academy offers after-school music and arts programs to Pittsburgh students.
Laboratory Company Dance
Laboratory Company Dance aka LABCO Dance is a contemporary dance company dedicated to provide
an umbrella for local Pittsburgh artists of varied mediums and diverse communities, for the creation,
teaching and performance of new works of high artistic merit in both traditional and alternative
venues. In the interest of creating a home for local dancers, choreographers, performance artists,
teaching artists, visual artists, musicians and technical staff, LABCO is working to employ these
professionals allowing our local artists the ability to stay and thrive in our city.
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild is a multi-discipline, minority directed, center for arts and
learning that employs the visual and performing arts to foster a sense of accomplishment and
hope in the urban community. Its mission is to educate and inspire urban youth through the
arts and mentored training in life skills; preserve, present and promote jazz and visual arts
to stimulate intercultural understanding, appreciation and enhancement of the quality of life
for our audiences; and, equip and educate leaders to further demonstrate entrepreneurial potential.
The Mattress Factory
The Mattress Factory is a museum of contemporary art that presents art you can get into—room-sized
environments, created by in-residence artists. Located in the historic Mexican War Streets of Pittsburgh’s
North Side since 1977, the Mattress Factory is one of few museums of its kind anywhere.
Open Stage Theatre
The Open Stage Theatre is a collaborative effort of professional and nonprofessional theatre people
committed to producing substantive plays. We will emphasize artistic integrity with the highest production
levels within our means. We will present classical and contemporary drama in a way that is relevant to today’s
audiences. We will also use traditional and nontraditional casting. The hope of Open Stage Theatre is to
provide an appreciative environment that is both accessible and welcoming to the company and to the public.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Widely acclaimed for its classical ballet masterpieces as well as innovative explorations of contemporary
dance, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is currently recognized as one of the world’s leading ballet companies.
PBT’s repertoire is a distinctive blend of ballets by 20th century masters, including Paul Taylor, Alvin
Ailey, Agnes de Mille, Choo-San Goh, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, John Cranko and the great George Balanchine,
new works by today’s most passionate choreographers, and acclaimed versions of the 19th century classical
ballets Coppelia, Don Quixote, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, The Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.
The Pittsburgh Camerata
The Pittsburgh Camerata is a chamber choir of selectively chosen singers performing choral works
both sacred and secular. Founded in 1974, the group specializes in the entire choral repertory
with a unique focus on Renaissance/Baroque and 20th century works. Although the primary emphasis
is on a cappella music, the Camerata has broadened its repertoire to include pieces with instrumental
accompaniment.
Pittsburgh Center for the Arts
The Center for the Arts was founded in 1945 by artists in partnership with private philanthropists
and city officials. Run completely by artist-volunteers in the early years, the center has become
a leading contemporary arts and education center. Over the years, the center’s two founding principles
of collaboration and innovation have inspired dynamic growth in its programs and service to the community.
Pittsburgh Chamber Music Society
To present chamber music of the highest quality performed by internationally and nationally recognized
ensembles to tri-state residents; to support and extend the full range of chamber music repertoire
through performances and commissions; to support educational activities that encourage more adults and
students to appreciate the art form; and to nurture exceptional emerging chamber music ensembles.
The Pittsburgh Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum uses hands-on exhibits (permanent and temporary), artifacts, performances,
storytelling and art activities to help children better understand themselves, others and the world.
Permanent exhibits are designed to meet the needs of diverse ages and learning styles; they are truly
multi-disciplinary. Extraordinary climbing structures and a musical swing sculpture affirm the
importance of gross motor activities and the delight children take in them. Role playing exhibits
help develop and strengthen language arts skills. Health related exhibits focus on respect for the
human body and self-esteem; they foster a sense of personal responsibility for developing good
health habits.
Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera
The Civic Light Opera produces live musical theater and Broadway classics.
Pittsburgh Concert Chorale
Our mission:
- To enhance the quality of life of greater Pittsburgh by involving the community in musical performances.
- To prepare and perform a variety of music at a level of excellence that is rewarding and satisfying to the audience and to the performers.
- To continue to improve the quality, variety and versatility of our singers and concerts.
- To expand to serve diverse audiences throughout greater Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Concert Society
Encourages music in Pittsburgh by discovering and assisting the development of musicians living,
or receiving their musical education, in the Pittsburgh area. The Pittsburgh Concert Society
presents musicians in formal concerts and offers scholarships and honoraria.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
In the best Pittsburgh tradition of public-private partnerships, The Pittsburgh Cultural
Trust will lead the way in uniting public and private interests in pursuit of mutually
supportive cultural and economic development objectives, particularly through the creation
and fostering of a Cultural District.
Pittsburgh Film Office
Since it’s inception in 1990, the Pittsburgh Film Office has shepherded over 50 feature film
and television productions into the Pittsburgh area. The office provides location assistance
and will facilitate obtaining permissions and permits.
Pittsburgh Jazz Society
The Pittsburgh Jazz Society, a non profit organization, is dedicated to the promotion,
preservation and perpetuation of all jazz. This is accomplished through education, performance,
partnering and community outreach for members and the general public.
Pittsburgh Musical Theater
Pittsburgh Musical Theater is a nonprofit professional company committed to quality musical theater
at affordable prices, the education of youth and the support of local talent.
Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble
The Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble presents new works to the public through professional
performances and commissioning of artists. It is our belief that new music can mean many
things to many people. We strive to present to our audience music which is not only new to
them, but which has been created out of the influences of the present day. Our programming
philosophy therefore tends towards the most recent works by living artists.
Pittsburgh Opera
As the eighth-oldest opera company in the U.S., Pittsburgh Opera draws on an important legacy of
music making. Performances by such notable singers as Birgit Nilsson, Joan Sutherland, Beverly Sills,
Luciano Pavarotti, Sherrill Milnes and Gwyneth Jones are just part of the rich history of the
present-day company.
Pittsburgh Symphony
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has been delighting and educating audiences worldwide since
the end of the 19th century. Under the directorship of such notables as Victor Herbert, Andre Previn
and Lorin Maazel, the symphony has grown in stature and secured a place in history through live performances,
radio broadcasts and recordings. In 1995, the PSO welcomed Marvin Hamlisch as the Orchestra’s first
Principal Pops Conductor.
Prime Stage
Prime Stage is committed to exposing and engaging young people and families in the discovery of live
theatre. It accomplishes this by producing adaptations of literature, new plays and other works,
which celebrate the achievements of young people and adults. Prime Stage teaches theatrical etiquette
and encourages young people and families to become subscribers to the arts. Through affordable and
accessible productions and Mentor programs, Prime Stage entertains, enlightens and educates
young people and families.
Pro Arts
Pro Arts supports the arts in our region, and provides ticket sales for small and mid-sized arts organizations.
The Renaissance and Baroque Society of Pittsburgh
The Renaissance and Baroque Society of Pittsburgh presents performances of the music of the Middle Ages,
Renaissance, Baroque and Early Classical periods and fosters a broader understanding and appreciation of
the music, arts and culture of the times.
River City Brass Band
The mission of the River City Brass Band is to propagate and perpetuate musical culture,
primarily American musical culture, across a broad spectrum of the public through the
presentation of brass band performances, educational programs and the production of recordings.
The River City Brass Band has as its central obligation service to the people of Western Pennsylvania.
Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center
The History Center celebrates the history and heritage of Western Pennsylvania.
Silver Eye Center for Photography
Silver Eye Center for Photography is dedicated to fostering the practice, appreciation and
understanding of photography as an art form and as a powerful form of visual communication.
Programming includes exhibitions of work by locally, nationally and internationally recognized
photographers. Exhibitions are enriched with lectures, panel discussions, workshops, portfolio
reviews, interactive gallery tours and more.
Society for Contemporary Craft
The mission of the Society for Contemporary Craft is to engage the public in the creative experience
as expressed through contemporary craft. Since 1971 we have presented high quality exhibitions and
educational programs showcasing work by nationally and internationally known artists working in clay,
fiber, glass, metal, wood and found materials. Many exhibitions focus on multi-cultural and
non-mainstream art, reflecting our rich cultural diversity. We seek to move viewers beyond familiar
frames of reference and challenge them to think in new ways about art, while also raising standards
of excellence in the field.
Western Pennsylvania Museum Council
The Western Pennsylvania Museum Council, formerly the Greater Pittsburgh Museum Council, is a
nonprofit consortium founded in 1984. The Western Pennsylvania Museum Council’s organizational
members are nonprofit institutions that are located in western Pennsylvania and are open to the
public. These organizations acquire, conserve, research, communicate and exhibit artistic, cultural,
industrial, natural and/or scientific heritage.
Beyond our region
American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is an international learned society
composed of the world’s leading scientists, scholars, artists, business people and public leaders.
American Symphony Orchestra League
Founded in 1942 and chartered by Congress in 1962, the League serves more than 850 member symphony,
chamber, youth and collegiate orchestras of all sizes. The League links a national network of
thousands of musicians, conductors, managers, board members, volunteers, staff members and
business partners, providing a wealth of services, information and educational opportunities
to its members.
Art Museum Websites and Research Centers
Art museum website links on one page. Hosted by Duke University Libraries.
balletcompanies.com
On this site you’ll find over 2000 links to ballet and dance companies all over the world.
It also provides individual dance and ballet companies with space for announcements and last
minute news.
Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania
Citizens for the Arts in Pennsylvania (CFA/PA) is a statewide nonprofit organization committed
to advancing the arts in Pennsylvania through advocacy, programs and services. It works to
publicize the contributions of the arts to society, increase public and private investment in
the arts, expand the role of the arts in tourism and promote the positive impact of arts education.
It also works to support the strengthening arts organization infrastructure and the creation of a
statewide network of those who create, manage, teach and support the arts in Pennsylvania.
Edsitement
The Best of the Humanities on the Web from the National Endowment for the Humanities in partnership
with the National Trust for the Humanities, and the MarcoPolo Education Foundation. This educational
partnership brings online humanities resources from some of the world's great museums, libraries,
cultural institutions and universities directly to your classroom.
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation’s mission is to celebrate and support the richness and diversity
of the region’s arts resources and work to make those resources widely accessible both in the
mid-Atlantic region and beyond.
National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts enriches our Nation and its diverse cultural heritage by
supporting works of artistic excellence, advancing learning in the arts, and strengthening the
arts in communities throughout the country.
National Endowment for the Humanities
NEH is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government dedicated to supporting
research, education, preservation and public programs in the humanities.
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
The National Gallery of Art houses one of the finest collections in the world illustrating major
achievements in painting, sculpture and graphic arts from the Middle Ages to the present.
National Humanities Center
The National Humanities Center is the country’s only independent institute for advanced study
in the humanities. A private, nonprofit institution, the Center exists to encourage excellent
scholarship and to affirm the importance of the humanities in American society.
Opera Company Pages on the World Wide Web
Pages for professional, semi-professional, academic and amateur companies and festivals offering
regular programs of opera. Most of the pages listed are official home pages maintained by the companies
themselves, but also included are unofficial pages maintained by private parties if they provide
substantial information. Hosted by Stanford University.
The Pennsylvania Humanities Council
The Pennsylvania Humanities Council strengthens communities by fostering lifelong learning in
our cultural traditions through public programs that renew our memories and ideals. The PHC
joins with local organizations to create learning through reflection and discussion, responding
to community needs for educated citizenship and quality of life.
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian is committed to enlarging our shared understanding of the mosaic that is our
national identity by providing authoritative experiences that connect us to our history and
our heritage as Americans and to promoting innovation, research and discovery in science.