Shiftworks Secures over $1.4 Million to Advance Artist Work in Public Space

Pittsburgh, PA — Shiftworks Community + Public Arts has announced a landmark $1.45 million in new funding in 2025 to advance its work at the intersection of public art and community development. These investments will fuel a series of strategic initiatives designed to empower artists, strengthen the public art ecosystem, and catalyze community-led change throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.

“These awards are a testament to the strength of our regional partnerships and the growing recognition that artists are essential to civic and cultural life,” said Sallyann Kluz, Executive Director of Shiftworks. “This funding enables us to invest in the infrastructure that artists need to thrive – training, networks, legal and financial support, and meaningful partnerships with communities. These aren’t add-ons for artists working in community and public arts; they’re essentials.”

Funding includes major operational and programmatic awards from The Heinz Endowments ($800,000 over two years) and the Eden Hall Foundation ($100,000 over two years). These grants are complemented by project-specific support that expands Shiftworks’ reach and capacity.

Highlights include:

• $100,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission for Developing the Creative Workforce, a new initiative piloting training modules to support artists in developing public art practices.
• $250,000 from the EPA’s Thriving Communities Program for Community Circles, an initiative fostering collaborations between artists and communities addressing environmental health inequities.
• $325,000 from the City of Pittsburgh’s ARPA Arts Programming Fund awarded in late 2024 to support a partnership with BOOM Concepts, activating public space in Pittsburgh through artist-led projects in 2025 and 2026.

Shiftworks is also leading and facilitating major regional public art commissions, ensuring that artists are equitably included in infrastructure and design projects. Current work includes:

• A $150,000 University Line public art commission with artist Marsha Rollinger in partnership with The Art Supply Co. for the City of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Regional Transit.
• Artist Kim Beck’s $60,000 public art design project for the SR22-I376 interchange redesign for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, District 11.
• An $85,000 public art design for the I-376 Banksville Road interchange, launching in 2026, also with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, District 11.

“We’re deeply grateful for the foundation and government support we’ve received this year. These investments not only enhance public spaces, they reflect the voices and visions of our communities,” said Kluz. “As a nonprofit, our structure allows us to apply steady pressure for change while remaining nimble in times of transformation—ensuring public art is not only beautiful, but grounded in community values.”

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