Another program year is upon us and many of our local organizations are re-opening and providing in-person arts & culture events again. It's been a difficult year and the arts community is grateful for your support and ready to welcome back their audiences. We couldn't have done it without your support, contributions, and advocacy. Advocacy works! Thanks to you, the Lehigh Valley received a lifeline to live entertainment and area venues shared $13.7M in federal grants. Make sure you take the time to visit our Arts Calendar so you don't miss a thing!

Not only is the arts community growing in events, the Lehigh Valley is one of the fastest growing communities in the state. According to the initial reports of the 2020 Census information, the population of the Lehigh Valley grew from 647,232 in 2010 to 687,065 in 2020; a 6% increase. That growth is nearly 40,000 people over the last decade-we can't wait to get started on our survey of the Lehigh Valley arts economy in 2022 with the Arts in Economic Prosperity Report, in conjunction with Americans for the Arts. Stay tuned for more information and how you can help in the coming months.

Tara Henninger
Operations Manager

Jacqui Schwartz
Arts & Access Always Program Admin

Lehigh Valley Arts Council

Online Arts Calendar

Enjoy arts experiences online and in-person in the Lehigh Valley. View our online arts calendar and see what's scheduled for throughout this Autumn season!

Art Reach Cultural Accessibility Conference September 21-23

An online, three-day conference built for cultural professionals to learn the latest accessibility trends and best practices from leaders around the world. Attendees will build tools, knowledge and an international network of allies and resources to increase accessibility and inclusion in arts and culture .

Disability-Friendly Calendar

Local Opportunities

The Banana Factory

The Banana Factory Arts Center is now accepting exhibition proposals for solo and group exhibitions. Information on eligibility, selection criteria, guidelines, and exhibition policies are included in the application forms below. A gallery committee will review applications on a rolling basis.

State & National Opportunities

USArtists International: Application is Open

USAI supports performances by U.S. artists at impactful international festivals and performing arts marketplaces outside the United States and its territories. USAI funds the engagements of exemplary solo artists and ensembles across all performing arts disciplines including dance, music, theater, multidisciplinary work, and folk/traditional arts.

Application Deadlines

• September 9, 2021 by 11:59 PM ET for projects taking place between December 15, 2021 and December 14, 2022.
• December 1, 2021 by 11:59 PM ET for projects taking place between March 15, 2022 and March 14, 2023.
• March 30, 2022 by 11:59 PM ET for projects taking place between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.

The arts have the power to connect us with one another and sharing stories can help us understand the human experience. Discover personal reflections on the arts in our library, The Power of Story..

October is National Arts & Humanities Month

Inside the Arts is the new digital version of our traditionally printed bi-monthly newsletter. Topics cover initiatives by the Lehigh Valley Arts Council that impact the regional cultural community.

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