The Arts and Education Council (A&E) announced today that applications for 2018 PNC Program Grants are now open. PNC Program Grants, underwritten by the PNC Foundation through a $40,000 named fund, provide merit-based grants of $2,500 to $5,000 to small to medium-sized organizations in the St. Louis bi-state region that offer arts and arts education programs contributing to the elements of a vibrant community.

Since 2012, this collaboration between A&E and PNC has provided funding to 176 organizations serving 41 Missouri communities and six Illinois communities for programs that have increased access to the arts for hundreds of thousands of adults and children in the region.

“The Arts and Education Council believes the arts are critical to creating and sustaining vibrant communities and we are grateful to have PNC as a partner who shares that belief,” said Cynthia A. Prost, A&E president and CEO. “The arts foster innovation, energize neighborhoods, inspire our kids, promote cross-cultural understanding and enrich our lives. With PNC Program Grants, A&E is investing in arts programs throughout our region that ensure this ripple effect of the arts is felt and celebrated by the entire community.”

Last year’s grants funded 31 diverse arts programs, including: Bach Society of Saint Louis’ 2018 St. Louis Bach Festival; a performing arts summer program at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville-East St. Louis Center; Central Print’s summer print studio in North St. Louis; student matinees at Fontbonne University’s Mustard Seed Theatre; and The Luminary’s Black Arts Residency.

“For my PNC colleagues and me, it's important to make sure that the communities we serve are vibrant and robust not just today but into the future,” said Michael Scully, PNC regional president for St. Louis.  “We understand the valuable return that investing in the arts can deliver. Our collaboration with the Arts and Education Council reinforces our commitment to help strengthen the economic vitality of our region.”

Applications for PNC Program Grants are due April 20 at 5:00 p.m. CST. Organizations should demonstrate how the proposed program aligns with A&E’s strategic initiatives to invest in the elements of a vibrant community. A volunteer grant panel convened by A&E determines grant awards. Awardees will be announced in late May. For specific criteria and application information, click here.