Why Support River Art Works?

Vision
We envision a world where artists can reliably earn a living from their creative work and fully participate in a vibrant, global creative economy.

Pennsylvania is home to more than 245,000 creative workers—artists, designers, photographers, filmmakers, musicians, writers, makers, and other creative professionals who help shape the culture of our communities. Together, the arts and cultural sector supports nearly 190,000 jobs across the state and contributes more than $30 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy. The industry is the tenth largest in the state. Yet despite their enormous impact, many working artists earn below the national average income, often balancing multiple jobs while trying to sustain their creative work.

River Art Works believes artists deserve more than survival—they deserve opportunity. By building a regional arts destination, RAW can help change that by creating a cutting-edge technology center and a business support hub designed specifically to serve artists and small arts organizations. These resources will provide access to modern creative tools, training, and professional development that help artists grow sustainable careers while strengthening the regional creative economy.

What Makes RAW Different and Worthy of Your Donation?

RAW stands out for its broad, inclusive vision of the arts. We embrace  “a wide range of creative disciplines—from architects to woodworkers and everything in between” —bringing together visual artists, designers, makers, and creative technologists in one collaborative environment. As a destination, RAW will fill gaps in support by providing artists with space, tools, and business education and resources, but also attract visitors, students, and creative professionals to the region. The result is a vibrant hub where creativity, education, and economic opportunity grow together, benefiting both artists and the communities they serve. RAW’s long-term vision includes establishing a 35-50-acre regional arts destination, a hub for creativity, education, and economic development that will bring together artists, students, and audiences from across Western Pennsylvania. This destination is not just a facility; it is a catalyst for regional recognition, workforce investment, and opportunity in the arts.

ArtTEK

Originally developed for teens, ArtTEK is expanding to serve learners of all ages as demand grows for hands-on creative technology workshops. Through ArtTEK, students and adults gain experience in digital design with CAD and Mapping, 3D printing, drones, fabrication, and media production, while building problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation skills. The program also provides mentorship and teaching opportunities for local artists, giving them a chance to share their expertise, generate income, and strengthen their professional networks. ArtTEK is a key example of how RAW blends technology, creativity, and education to make a lasting impact that is scalable. ArtTEK employs its teachers at an above average wage.

Community Studios

RAW’s neighborhood-based small studio success, led to plans for expansion into four other small towns, bring arts education directly into communities, removing transportation barriers and creating highly personalized learning experiences. These workshops are designed to connect artists with local residents, students, and fellow creatives, providing teaching opportunities, collaboration spaces, and public engagement. By demonstrating impact and building trust at the grassroots level, these programs position RAW as a reliable, committed partner in the region’s creative ecosystem—well before the full arts destination is built.

Greater Westmoreland Arts Coalition (GWAC)

The Greater Westmoreland Arts Coalition (GWAC) is designed to transform the region into a thriving cultural ecosystem. GWAC’s artist directory and platform directly address the visibility gap, making it easier for residents, tourists, and institutions to find and hire local artists enabling them to build sustainable careers. The GWAC Art Directory, premiering with over 200 initial members in June 2026 in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University’s IT Department. It will serve as a virtual hub connecting artists with potential clients. It will also provide RAW with a curated listing of up to 750 artists who can specifically benefit from the development of a regional arts destination, helping ensure that the future campus maximizes opportunity for the local creative community.

RAW Governance and Financial Statement

RAW is a 501c3 nonprofit that operates under formal bylaws, with a governing board that meets quarterly to provide fiscal oversight and strategic guidance.  RAW manages grants through a small, experienced team: documentation and reporting for large grants are handled by Doug Chew, who has extensive grant experience, and small grants by the executive lead, ensuring compliance and on‑time reporting.  Since our founding, we have operated with no debt, aligning our budget each year to the cash we actually have available to ensure conservative, cash‑based financial management.

Your Impact

When you support River Art Works, you are investing directly in the people who create the culture of our communities. Your contribution helps expand access to hands-on arts learning, creative technology, and professional development, ensuring that artists and small arts organizations can thrive. Every gift strengthens the creative economy, inspires the next generation, and helps make Westmoreland County a regional hub for arts, education, and innovation.