Editorial: PNC's lifeline to local arts

A hefty $5 million cultural grant program from PNC Bank not only arrives at a moment of dire need in the Philadelphia region, but also reaches down to give small and suburban-based arts groups a much-needed hand up.

The first 23 recipients of the PNC Arts Alive grant initiative were announced in mid-June. The funds will go toward growing audiences and adding performances, and for technology innovation and upgrades.

It's not a surprise that the five-year pilot run by the charitable arm of PNC Financial Services will benefit such cultural icons as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Philadelphia Orchestra.

As deserving as those major-league attractions are, the PNC program also bestows grants on groups like Bay Atlantic Symphony in Bridgeton, N.J.; the Cape May Stage; West Philadelphia-based Peoplehood Parade and Pageant; and other regional troupes.

In Pennsylvania, the state budget debacle threatens to exacerbate an already ailing fund-raising outlook for many nonprofit arts groups.

Gov. Corzine's budget in New Jersey was less draconian, but also trimmed arts money. In addition, corporate and foundation donations generally are soft because of the nation's serious economic downturn. So those factors make PNC a standout for boosting its cultural philanthropy now.

Arts groups have to hope they can survive until government support for culture recovers amid a broader economic upturn. Private support for the arts is vital to that survival. Along with like-minded funders, the PNC Foundation also performs a public service to the extent that it helps preserve the substantial public investment already made in many of these cultural groups.