Arts & Humanities
Creativity & Culture: A Focus on Arts & Humanities in Washington County
Washington County has a strong and vibrant Arts & Humanities sector, which reflects the community’s past, present, and future. Museums, libraries, performing arts, visual arts, music, and historic sites each add to the diverse range of organizations that comprise this scene. There is strong interest and dedication from audiences and community members, as well as recognition that these organizations are core community assets.
Among the nonprofits of the community, the Washington County Heritage Alliance is facilitating group marketing and group development efforts. The free museum day was a result of a collaborative grant request.
Impact
Arts & Humanities groups play an important role in the vitality of Washington County through entertainment, education, tourism, employment, the local economy, as well as inclusion.
Washington County’s rich arts and cultural opportunities draws visitors from outside the county, many of which are featured on the Visit Washington County PA website.
According to Travel Economics, in
2021 visitors spent $594.1 million in Washington County’s tourism and
travel industry – second only to Allegheny County in the “Pittsburgh
& Its Countryside” category, which consists of eight counties in
western Pennsylvania.
Strengths
- Local Talent
- Diversity
- Community Support
- Volunteers
- Creativity
- Supportive Partnerships
Challenges
Washington County faces unique challenges as a rural community. The location of services and availability of transportation directly impact access to arts and cultural opportunities. At this time, centralized, shared arts venues are limited. Additionally, small staff sizes, production costs, and inflation present their own set of obstacles, especially for the small, grass-roots organizations that are part of the sector. These factors also play a role in the need for expanding consistent financial support. And with an aging volunteer base, arts and cultural organizations are acutely aware of the urgency of connecting with members of younger demographics who value local history and heritage.
As Washington County continues to grow and evolve, so too must these local Arts & Humanities organizations in order to better serve an ever-changing demographic and socioeconomic community.
Participating Nonprofits
- Bradford House Historical Association
- Donora Historical Society
- Donora Public Library Association
- Historical Society of Western PA/Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village
- LeMoyne Community Center
- Little Lake Theatre Company
- Mon Valley Academy for the Arts
- National Duncan Glass Society
- Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
- Peters Creek Historical Society
- South Hills Children's Choir
- The Venetia Heritage Society
- VetPets
- Washington Jazz Society
- Washington Symphony Orchestra
- WQED Multimedia

Washington County Nonprofits
Get Involved
Register to participate so that your organization’s information can be included on this website.
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