Creative Sector Flex Fund

Re: Updates on the Availability of Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ Creative Sector Flex Fund

On behalf of Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, please see the following update regarding changes to the availability of the Creative Sector Flex Fund in this region, which includes Cameron, Elk, Forest, McKean, and Potter counties.

As of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027), the Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF) program will discontinue statewide. In its place, the Creative Asset Program will provide new, direct, flexible support for small-to-mid-sized arts organizations with average annual revenue between $100,000 - $2 million. Eligible applicants will apply directly to Pennsylvania Creative Industries, which will publish program guidelines for the Creative Asset Program in December 2025.

This information is being shared now to help with planning and budgetary activities going forward.

Attention Current CSFF Applicants: The future discontinuation of the Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF) does not impact the availability of the program in the current year (FY 2025-2026). Pending passage of the Commonwealth budget, Elk County Council on the Arts will distribute information regarding the status of FY 2025-2026 CSFF applications, as well as instructions for and requirements pertaining to those applicants approved for CSFF funds. Additionally, as FY 2025-2026 grant award agreement materials will outline, CSFF grantees will be required to submit final report materials to Sara Frank by January 31, 2027.

Questions

  • For general questions regarding an application to the current (FY 2025-2026) CSFF program, contact Sara Frank - sara@eccota.com

  • For general questions about the CSFF program, contact PA Creative Industries’ Director of Access to the Creative Sector — Amanda Lovell - alovell@pa.gov

  • For general questions about the Creative Asset Program, contact PA Creative Industries’ Director of Arts Organizations and Arts Programs and Grants Liaison. — Ian Rosario - irosario@pa.gov,

Background

Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ governing Council recently adopted a new strategic framework, alongside an updated agency mission to empower, connect, and amplify creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce. The agency vision is that Pennsylvania becomes the national leader among states for creative communities, talent, and industries.

To maximize progress on its mission and ensure all the agency’s work is aligned, Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ Council adopted five key areas around which to focus its resources: asset development, workforce development, community development, visibility, and policy.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming months, Pennsylvania Creative Industries will be publishing new and expanded opportunities for the Commonwealth’s creative sector, including the Creative Asset Program. You can sign up for news here and access new program guidelines on Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ website.