Arts Alive | Spring 2025

SPRING 2025

A PUBLICATION OF THE YORK COUNTY ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

CELEBRATING OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY

Advancing YoCo’s Film Industry with the Story of Leg Up Farm

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The State of Public Art with the Cultural Alliance

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The Art of Movement with Dance It Forward

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YoCo Connect Spring 2025

ARTS alive CELEBRATING OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY

IN THIS ISSUE

YoCo Connect Spring 2025

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GET TO KNOW

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THE STATE OF PUBLIC ART IN YORK COUNTY

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MAYBE WE SHOULD

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THE ART OF MOVEMENT INSPIRES PASSION AND CONFIDENCE FOR 54 YEARS

Jeremy Slagle | Creative Director

A Vision for the Future with the Cultural Alliance of York County

Advancing YoCo’s film industry with a movie based on the story of Leg Up Farm

The Legacy of Dance It Forward

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LISTICLE

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ECONOMIC INITIATIVES

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YORK COUNTY TRAIL TOWNS

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BLOOM BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT CENTER

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EVENTS

YoCo’s Vibrant Art Scene

Tracing Public Funding for the Arts

Creative Investment in the Trail Towns

12 Creative Businesses to Kick Off the New Season

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CREDITS The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

All rights reserved.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced electronically or in print without the express written permission of the publisher.

This publication is proudly produced in YoCo, in partnership with Tetra Creative Studio (tetracreative.studio).

144 Roosevelt Ave. | Suite 100 York, PA 17401 717.848.4000 | YCEApa.org

@yceapa Advertising Contact Katie Mahoney | kmahoney@yceapa.org

Copyright © 2025 York County Economic Alliance. All rights reserved.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the specific written permission of the York County Economic Alliance.

View the digital version of YoCo Connect online at Issuu.com/YoCoConnect

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View the digital version of Downtown York magazine online at Issuu.com/DowntownYorkPA

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Marketing our area while connecting our members.

BECOME A MEMBER YorkPA.org

GET TO KNOW

Jeremy

Q&A with Jeremy Slagle | Creative Director

What do you enjoy most about what York County has to offer?

What is your role with the YCEA? I’m the Creative Director at the YCEA, where I play a key role in shaping and visualizing the marketing for our programs, events, and initiatives. From print to digital materials, everything our members and the public encounter passes through our department. I also contribute to the development of our publications, like the one you’re reading now!

What do you love best about the work you do? What do you find most rewarding?

I love contributing to projects that support local businesses and create a positive impact on the community I call home. I find it incredibly rewarding to tackle challenges that initially seem impossible to overcome; however, after exploring different approaches, you arrive at a successful solution.

What is your involvement with the arts community of York County?

Creativity is my greatest passion, and it’s what I enjoy the most. For over the past decade, my focus has been theatre, having starred in, directed, or designed for numerous productions in the area and beyond. I also serve on the Boards of the York Symphony Orchestra and Enroot, which oversees local programming like York Story Slam, Kable House Presents, and the York Fringe Festival.

YoCo Connect Spring 2025

The variety: from walkable downtowns that give you that “city fix”, to unique shops and experiences, and even woodsy trails that help you unwind and escape for a bit. And if you want to get out of town for the day or a long weekend, you’re only a car or train ride away from Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and other spots.

What is a local shop you often venture to?

One of my favorite creative activities is thrifting discarded items and repurposing them into new treasures. This area has so many unique shops for antiques and vintage items, but I’m most often at thrift stores like Community Aid, Goodwill, and LifePath.

What is a recommended activity for the area?

Go see, support, and participate in our local arts scene!

There are too many to list here but do a simple search and you’ll come across many theatres, galleries, dance companies, nonprofits, and more located in your backyard that need your help. So, give your time or money, buy those tickets, and sign up for those classes to help keep these vital outlets enriching our community!

I couldn’t imagine my life without the arts, and I imagine most reading this can relate (or perhaps don’t realize how important it is in their lives).”

“ Go see, support, and participate in our local arts scene!”

Jeremy Slagle

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THE STATE OF PUBLIC ART IN YORK COUNTY:

A VISION FOR THE FUTURE

By Sarah O’Brien | Director, Downtown Inc Public art has long been an essential part of community identity. Kelley Gibson, President of the Cultural Alliance of York County, is working to ensure York County’s identity is told through its public art. Through careful strategy and a new push for comprehensive planning, Gibson envisions a future where public art not only tells the story of the region but also elevates the quality of life, boosts tourism, and stimulates local economies.

FROM “PLOP ART” TO PURPOSEFUL PLANNING For many years, the public art scene in York County could be described as “plop art”—artworks that emerge quickly, often without sufficient planning or relation to other works.

The term, coined by sculptor Rachel Whiteread, speaks to the sporadic nature of these installations. Art would appear, usually driven by well-meaning individuals or groups, but the community lacked a coherent vision for its impact or long-term care.

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“A piece of public art is like any other tool in a toolbox,” says Gibson. “It’s all about deciding what that tool is best used for, and right now, we don’t have a plan for how to use those tools.” For public art to be effective, she argues, it must be purposeful—whether it’s to tell a community’s story, beautify a space, or provide functional benefits such as public safety and green spaces.

Historically, some of the most well-known public art pieces in York County, like the murals installed for the county’s 250th anniversary in 1999, are over 20 years old and in various states of decline. These murals, created by artists from across the country, were originally designed to tell the county’s history. However, with no maintenance plan, many of these murals are now weathered and fading, their stories increasingly difficult to interpret.

“The biggest issue we face is the lack of a plan for what happens to these pieces after they’re installed,” Gibson explains. “Public art is a long game, and without ongoing care and a clear plan for how to integrate art into the fabric of the community, we risk losing it.”

YoCo Connect Spring 2025

A NEW ERA: DOCUMENTING, MAPPING, AND PLANNING The first step in moving toward a more cohesive public art scene is data collection. The Cultural Alliance has made significant strides in cataloging the public art in York County, creating an interactive map at york365.com that allows both residents and visitors to discover murals, sculptures, and other installations throughout the area. This map is a living document, continuously updated as new pieces are created or old ones are replaced or removed.

“Technology has caught up with our needs,” Gibson says. “This map is more than just a static document; it’s a tool that lets anyone contribute. If you see a mural on the side of a building, you can log it. It’s constantly evolving, which is a big step forward.”

But the map is just the beginning. The next major step is developing a comprehensive public art plan that spans the county, from the City of York to smaller towns like Red Lion, Dover, and New Freedom. Gibson sees this as a collaborative effort, with each community having a say in what type of public art best reflects its unique character.

The goal is to create a diverse range of art installations— murals, sculptures, interactive pieces, and more— that all contribute to a larger, unified narrative about the county’s past, present, and future.

“ It’s about taking small steps...

We don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but we do need to look at how other places have made public art a priority.”

Kelley Gibson President, Cultural Alliance of York County

THE ROLE OF A “PUBLIC ART NAVIGATOR” One of the critical pieces missing from York County’s public art landscape is a guiding figure—a “Public Art Navigator”—to provide technical assistance and resources for those interested in commissioning or maintaining public art. This role could offer expert advice on everything from funding to selecting artists and ensuring that new installations align with the community’s broader goals.

“Right now, if someone wants to install a mural or sculpture, they don’t know where to start.

They don’t know what guidelines to follow, how to raise funds, or how to ensure the artwork is maintained,” Gibson says. “A Public Art Navigator would provide that guidance and make the whole process more transparent and accessible.”

Without such a position, public art in York County risks being as inconsistent as it has been in the past.

“There’s no one central office overseeing the vision for public art, which is a big challenge,” Gibson explains.

“We need someone to help steer the ship and ensure that every project is part of a larger, coherent story.”

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OVERCOMING THE FUNDING HURDLE Perhaps the most significant barrier to the future of public art in York County is funding. Unlike other communities in the Commonwealth, York County lacks dedicated public art funding, which makes it difficult to plan longterm projects or maintain existing pieces. Other regions, such as Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, have used redevelopment funds or sales taxes to support public art initiatives. Without similar funding models, York County is left to rely on sporadic grants and private donations.

However, Gibson remains optimistic. “It’s about taking small steps,” she says. “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel, but we do need to look at how other places have made public art a priority. If we can create a master plan, and if we can build on the work we’ve already started, I believe we can get there.”

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In the coming years, as York County continues to grow and evolve, public art will play a crucial role in shaping its identity. With a clear plan, a commitment to maintenance, and a vision for the future, York County could become a shining example of how public art can both beautify and strengthen a community—one installation at a time.

culturalyork.org

Maybe We Should The York County filmed movie based on the story of Leg Up Farm creator Louie Castriota

By Katie Mahoney Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer

“ Like everything else, I dream big,” shares Louie Castriota, founder of Leg Up Farm. “I shoot for big, and then we end up in a great place.”

More than 20 years ago, Louie and his wife Laurie set out to create a therapeutic riding center while trying to find the best treatment for their daughter Brooke, who had been diagnosed with mitochondrial disease, causing cognitive and motor function delays.

The Castriotas realized the need for a comprehensive therapy center that provided coordinated therapy services that are both affordable and accessible for children with special needs, and Leg Up Farm opened its doors in April 2010. Serving over 500 children each year, Leg Up Farm offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy, along with mental health and nutrition services, as well as educational and recreational programs and partnerships, making it truly a comprehensive therapy center.

That’s the short version of the tale.

YoCo Connect Spring 2025

In 2013, they shared their story of the creation in the book Leg Up: The Courage to Dream, which has now been adapted to an independent film recently filmed over four weeks in York County.

After reaching out to scriptwriters online, he connected with filmmaker Jeremy John Wells, who portrays Louie in the film. “He initially passed on it,” explains Louie.

But then Jeremy’s daughter ended up in the emergency room with Diabetic Ketoacidosis, ultimately being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, much like Louie’s youngest daughter Lauren, causing him to re-think the connection to the script and the Castriota’s story. “He would visit every 6 months and then said we just need to show up and make this happen,” shares Louie. “Then in Spring 2024 Jeremy called and said we’re coming in two weeks.”

And show up they did. Within two days of landing, the production team had a 5,000 sq. ft. office with dock to build sets, acquired furniture and wardrobe, and worked to secure housing for talent, food for crew, and much more. Production included stars Heather Graham, Kevin Nealon, and Matt Walsh, among many others.

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Make-A-Wish Collaboration Maybe We Should collaborated with the Make-AWish Foundation to grant wishes for children whose wish was to be part of a movie. Some children were featured in key scenes of the film, and another was able to act as a "director," sitting with the director during filming, in a director’s chair with their name.

“The commitment to have this filmed in York was a tremendous responsibility to make it go well,” said Louie. He credits co-producer of the film and Yorkbased filmmaker Doug Henderson with being the boots on the ground to pull these pieces together.

“Doug had to manage a lot of chaos,” he states.

Together, they’d solve problems through their deep community connections. “Things are very affordable in York County and the people very welcoming. It’s easier to create a good work environment for cast and crew and recruit good talent and treat them well.”

While all this sounds like the pieces fell right into place, the realization of exposing himself and his family at such a deep level made Louie take pause. “There was a moment I thought, whew, what did I do?” Alleviating that concern was Jeremy’s understanding of the script and commitment to portraying the true journey. “In the movie you’ll see, anybody working towards something [like creating Leg Up Farm] you feel like you’re not there for the things your family needs, because I’m trying to make this better life for them,” shares Louie.

An emotional moment for Louie was a scene portraying his daughter, Lauren, in the hospital when she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. “It was probably like day three, and they shot the scene where Lauren was unconscious in her bed, and it was very emotional for me,” Louie shares. “I was crying.

I left because of just reliving that kind of moment.”

Louie’s daughter Lauren and her husband play a doctor and a surgeon in that scene in the film.

“ I hope this story shines a bright light on how amazing York County is and the people here.”

Louie Castriota Founder, Leg Up Farm “I hope this story shines a bright light on how amazing York County is and the people here. Our story wouldn’t have happened without the amazing people who live here,” shares Louie. “I hope this story inspires people to act in their community, to do something good for other people. I wasn’t in the medical field. I was just a dad asking how we could do this better.”

And that hasn’t stopped just because his daughters have gotten older. “We keep thinking about Brooke and her life, what she needs next. We need to view housing differently for those with special needs.”

He works closely with his daughter Lauren in South Carolina, where they serve 800 individuals with special needs from early intervention to lifelong support at ‘Great Kids & Awesome Adults.’

legupfarm.org maybeweshouldmovie.com 10

Q&A with Doug Henderson: Co-producer of Maybe We Should and Co-Founder and Executive Director of Everything’s Fire, an audience-focused independent film studio located in York.

Q: W hat does co-producer of a film like Maybe We Should entail?

A: The co-producer is like the right-hand man of the senior producer. A Swiss army knife position – you’re film locations manager with months of meetings about casting, finances, budget, and star wagons for celebrities.

It helps having someone locally with film experience to be the boots on the ground and rush in to fill any creative or logistic gaps as quickly as possible.

Q: What was your favorite part?

A: I love being part of a team of people who are trying to do a really difficult thing and have to overcome unforeseen challenges. I’m really grateful to Louie. He’s a visionary person, and he’s the kind of person who asks why not instead of finding reasons not to do something.

His positive attitude and drive to innovate and do things differently are evidenced by the abundance of powerful things he has done for this community. He got me involved and taught me things along the way. It’s overwhelming the gratitude I have to be part of this.

We also were dedicated to being ‘friendly filmmakers’ and creating a positive space here in York. It was a priority for us to create an environment for people to work in that is open, secured, and safe where everybody felt cared for. That is unique.

everythingsfire.com Q: How did it feel to work on a film in York, about York?

A: There were conversations about not filming here, and Louie insisted it be filmed here. It was a largely LA and Texas team coming in, and there were concerns about lack of infrastructure and crew base.

It took some convincing, but we [Everything’s Fire] had done seven feature films here before that, so between our experience and connections and Louie’s infinite amount of resources, we made it happen.

Q: Are there other opportunities for filmmakers to view York as an ideal spot for movie production?

A: Both Louie and I have this mentality of not putting limitations on what York can be. Pushing for something we can believe in, the story in this film really resonated.

Growing up in Harrisburg, where Lucky Numbers was filmed, the seed was planted in my mind seeing how proud everyone was that our little corner of the world mattered. I want to be part of making that feeling happen, and this movie accomplished that. Even though we had to be hush-hush and tell people we were making a mayonnaise commercial.

This industry is very economically viable and creates a lot of jobs in a lot of places. It interjects money into the economy through catering, rented equipment, transportation – this film alone generated over 2,000 overnight stays from the four weeks of filming in York.

The industry estimates that for every $1 million of local production spent, the economic impact is just over $3.3 million. Pennsylvania tax credits for production and post-production dedicated to York County would make significant progress. In the film industry, there is a lot less pushback now that we did this movie.

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“ Dance isn’t just about steps and technique—it’s a way to connect with yourself, build confidence, and push past challenges. It helps people find their voice, express emotions, and develop resilience, making it a powerful tool for personal growth.”

Lori Garling CEO, Dance It Forward

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YoCo Connect Spring 2025

The Art of Movement Inspires Passion & Confidence for 54 Years

By Casey Nixon | Director, Membership & Business Development

Operating for 54 years is a long time in any industry. But for a staple organization like Dance It Forward, the years have been an opportunity to create a legacy of influence and inspiration in York County’s arts community.

Dance It Forward, originally called Shana Garling’s School of Ballet and more recently known as Greater York Dance and Greater York Youth Ballet, has helped to shape the dance community in York for more than half a century, and they have no plans of stopping anytime soon.

Opening its doors as a small studio in Mount Wolf, Dance It Forward has grown over the decades, bringing them to their current location in East York with 9,000 square feet of muchneeded space for artistic expression.

YoCo Connect Spring 2025

“We are now in our third generation of growth—a legacy that began with my mother, Shana Garling, who founded this organization,” shared Lori Garling. “Today, I am honored to serve as CEO, and now my daughter, Pastelle, is carrying the torch as a professional dancer and educator, with dreams and goals that will continue to keep York County dancing for years to come.”

With deep roots in the York arts community, Dance It Forward has put on performances that have become annual traditions for York Countians, most notably The Nutcracker Ballet. This Christmas-time performance, held at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, was offered to Greater York Youth Ballet in 1999. This past Christmas marks their 26th year performing to a nearly sold-out audience.

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Aside from standout performances over the decades in York, the team at Dance It Forward has taken their students to perform across the United States, from Boston to Disney World. These performances are intentionally not competitive but rather a way for their students to express themselves and find joy in dance.

Lori and her team believe the negative aspects that come along with many dance competitions overshadow the valuable experiences for young dancers.

“At Dance It Forward, we believe that dance isn’t just something you do—it’s something you live. Dance Your Life is our tagline that encourages dancers to embrace movement as a way of expressing their passion, confidence, and personal journey,” Lori says. “Dance is a force for positive change, both in individual lives and across communities. It is a universal language for all people. It changes lives!”

Serving the South Central PA region, Dance It Forward offers around 75 classes each week for students of all ages, from 18 months through adulthood.

With classes teaching various styles of dance from Ballet and Modern, to Pom Squad and Cheer to Cirque, Lori and her team are continuously growing to ensure their students have ample opportunity for creative expression. Most recently, they’ve formed an Adult Contemporary Dance Company to provide a creative outlet for adult dancers.

Across all age groups, Lori and the Dance It Forward team aim to enable their students to grow, learn, and become empowered through connections to dance.

Ready to step into your dance journey?

Try out a free class at Dance It Forward today!

3524 E Market St, York, PA 17402 danceitforward.dance

ART MEETS GAMING at Marketview Arts

Join 2024-25 Powder Mill Foundation Arts Fellow Devon Tolbert as he debuts student and community concept art from his upcoming 2D pixel game, Echoes of the Abyss.

York College of Pennsylvania presents

York’s first-ever Video Game Exhibition

Marketview Arts Opening Reception: March 7, 5–9 p.m.

On display through May 3 Vote for your favorite designs, create pixel art, and play games.

Explore the intersection of art, technology, and hands-on learning—only at York College of Pennsylvania. ycp.edu

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YoCo Connect Spring 2025

YoCo’s Vibrant Art Scene In this list, we’ve rounded up some of the YCEA member organizations that are enriching our cultural landscape and offering ways for people of all ages to get involved. From performances to workshops, these groups are helping to shape a more creative and connected community.

Dance It Forward has a mission that is simple yet powerful: bringing all people to dance.

This dance studio provides the highest level of instruction, elite performances, and meaningful outreach activities that inspire a lifelong love of the performing arts.

Appell Center for the Performing Arts enriches the community through performing arts, education, and entertainment. Featuring two historic theaters - the 1,262-seat Strand Theatre and the 450-seat Capitol Theatre – the Appell Center brings some of the biggest names in live, professional performing arts along with impactful education programs.

DreamWrights Center for Community Arts offers inclusive, interactive opportunities for everyone regardless of age or experience, from camps and classes to full-scale productions of timeless tales and iconic stories for children and adults of all ages and skill levels.

Creative York, founded by area artists and community members in 1990, supports local artists in all disciplines and makes the arts accessible to all members of our community through classes, events, galleries, and more.

For a full member directory, featuring addresses and websites, visit yceapa.org/membership

YoCo Connect Spring 2025

Keystone Kidspace is a nonprofit hub for dynamic STEAM programming and experiences for young people and their families with offerings that are varied, hands-on, multidisciplinary, and most importantly, open to all.

The Pullo Center at Penn State York features a 1,016-seat theatre with full production capabilities, offering a diverse array of touring shows, concerts, and cultural, community, and educational events.

York Symphony Orchestra, comprised of 76 professional musicians, has provided worldclass live entertainment and education to audiences in the region and beyond since 1933.

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TRACING PUBLIC FUNDING FOR THE ARTS: FROM THE 20TH CENTURY TO NOW

By Brendan Salyards | Economic Initiatives Manager

Last year, the Cultural Alliance of York County received a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) to support its Make Music Day celebration in 2024 and 2025.

The event is held annually on June 21st. This was made possible from the Country’s long tradition of funding public arts and cultural programming for the benefit of the American people. “ Arts and culture are a vital aspect of our community,” shared Rita Whitney, Director of Communications with the Cultural Alliance of York County. “This funding from the National Endowment for the Arts meant that we could not only build out a robust event that hired professional musicians to share their talent with our attendees but that we could create an accessible experience across our county, regardless of age, class, physical location or demographic.”

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Before the 20th century, the main mechanism for funding public art projects was the construction of public buildings, memorials, and other grand edifices that grace our communities across the country. As part of the New Deal, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Congress created the Works Progress Administration (WPA), an agency devoted to providing work to millions of men and women who were unemployed. From 1935 to the program’s termination in 1943, the WPA funded projects to provide work to artists of all varieties. The program is widely recognized as having enhanced the vibrancy of the American artistic community and fostered the careers of many Americans who would go on to become prominent artists.

YoCo Connect Spring 2025

Nearly 20 years later, President John F. Kennedy made great efforts to raise the prominence of the Arts in society and to establish Washington D.C. as a cultural center.

These efforts are memorialized in the naming of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which, while authorized by Congress in the Eisenhower administration, was championed by the President and Ms. Kennedy. President Lyndon Baines Johnson carried forward the mantle of championing the arts and Congress passed the National Foundation of the Arts and Humanities Act in 1965, establishing the National Endowment of the Arts and the National Endowment of the Humanities, respectively.

“ Arts and culture are a vital aspect of our community...funding from the National Endowment for the Arts meant...we could create an accessible experience across our county, regardless of age, class, physical location or demographic.”

Rita Whitney Impact Director, Cultural Alliance of York County

Today, the NEA supports artistic endeavors of all kinds, including major public art installations, the performing arts, musicians, museums, creative writing, and research regarding the impact of the industry. In 1976, the NEA began its partnership with the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to showcase performances of concerts, ballets, and operas with its Live From Lincoln Center program. In the 60 years since the NEA was established, over $5.5 billion has been invested to support arts and cultural programming in every corner of the United States. In recent years (FY 2019-FY 2023), grantees in Pennsylvania have received nearly $24 million to support programs such as Blue Star Museums, which provides free admission for active-duty military personnel and their families.

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE ARTS & CULTURE SECTOR: Data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that the Arts and Cultural industry in the United States represented a $1.1 Trillion Industry in 2022, accounting for roughly 4.3% of the US Economy. In Fiscal Year 2022, the Federal Government appropriated $180 million for the National Endowment of the Arts, representing just .003 percent of the total Federal Budget and approximately 0.02% of the nondefense discretionary spending for FY 2022.

A 2023 study conducted by YCEA in partnership with the Cultural Alliance of York County found that less than 20% of arts and cultural organizations received federal funding of any kind (visit YorkCountyEAP.org to view the full report). Updated data on the economic impact of the Arts and Culture sector will be released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis in March 2025.

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CREATIVE INVESTMENT IN THE TRAIL TOWNS

By David Gonzalez, Jr., Director, Economic Initiatives

In October 2023, YCEA was designated as a Creative Community through the PA Council on the Arts (PCA) for the communities along the Heritage Rail Trail. The Creative Communities Initiative (CCI) provides multi-year funding for place-based, community-driven, arts-based projects that serve as catalysts for social cohesion, livability, and economic development.

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Along with the designation and technical support from the PCA team, designees receive funding to carry out their proposed projects. “CCI exemplifies the commonwealth’s commitment to developing vibrant communities and supporting PA’s thriving creative sector,” said Sarah Merrit, Director of Pennsylvania Creative Communities & the Creative Economy for Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. “The York County Trail Towns program and CCI partnership offer an opportunity to leverage the outdoors and arts to drive economic opportunity through creative placemaking in these communities.”

YoCo Connect Spring 2025

The Trail Towns program has outlined creative placemaking projects that encourage the over 500,000 annual rail trail users to explore the Trail Towns. Projects include temporary and permanent public art, public art mapping, and programs and activities, such as the storefront catalyst program.

The program aims to spotlight vacant storefronts in the Trail Towns to spur ideas for new businesses in the communities off the trail. The partnership brings Trail Town partners, artists, and property owners together to heighten awareness of key sites.

The inaugural installation of the program was hosted at 31 Main Street in Glen Rock Borough, a storefront that sits along both Main Street and the Heritage Rail Trail. The site, vacant for over a decade, has been a top priority for the borough to attract new businesses.

The Trail Towns program partnered with the Cultural Alliance’s Rita Whitney, who conceived, designed, and built the installation for December 2024 to coincide with the holiday season.

YoCo Connect Spring 2025

31 Main Street is for sale in Glen Rock and interested parties should connect with Foundation First Property Group at 717.797.4289 for more information. Additional storefront catalyst program installations are set to take place throughout 2025 in other Trail Town communities.

To learn more about the York County Trail Towns program, visit YorkCountyTrailTowns.com

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12 CREATIVE BUSINESSES TO KICK OFF THE NEW SEASON BLOOM Class Graduate BLOOM Grant Recipient

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LUX PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY

LIA’S CLEANING SERVICE

BRITTANY BEAR PHOTOGRAPHY

SPRING INTO ACTION

Spring cleaning in full effect?

Check out these York County-based businesses with everything you need to refresh your home and your business this season!

CAPTURE YOUR ART » Brittany Bear Photography Photographer blending vintage charm with modern elegance | brittanybearphotography.com » Em’s Lens Photography and Videography for Nonprofits, Businesses, and People | emslenscreative.com

♦» Washington Winnona Images

Photography studio founded on the principles of local activist Winonna F. Smith facebook.com/winnonaimages

» Crimson & Ivy Studio Photographer specializing in empowering women crimsonandivystudio.com REFRESH YOUR HOME » Susquehanna Closet & Garage Design Full-service design & installation for all your closet & garage organization needs susquehannadesign.com ♦» Lia’s Cleaning Service Family-driven comprehensive cleaning services for residential and commercial properties liascleaningservice.net

YoCo Connect Spring 2025

♦» Kristan T Winand Designs & Owl Valley Appraisals Ethically-sourced gemstone jewelry and customer trust-focused appraisal services kristantwinand.com

» Chevy’s Bead Bling & Creative Things Creative expression through handmade, wearable art | facebook.com/ChevyBe

JOSH SANTIAGO, C&P MEDIA COMPANY

TETRA CREATIVE STUDIO

SUSQUEHANNA CLOSET AND GARAGE DESIGN

» Blissful Bonita Art Studio & Gallery Original watercolor paintings with a nature focus blissfulbonita.com

♦» Josh Santiago, C&P Media Company Award-winning full-service production company Facebook @C&P Media Company »L ux Photography and Videography Professional photography/videography social media management services luxphotographyandvideography.square.site

All of these businesses have worked with the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center to help their business grow. Visit bloomyork.org to see how BLOOM can assist you and your business!

YoCo Connect Spring 2025

WASHINGTON WINNONA IMAGES

MARKET YOUR BUSINESS »T etra Creative Studio Integrated creative agency specializing in marketing services, film, and graphic design tetracreative.studio

If you’re a creative entrepreneur looking for resources, connect with the Cultural Alliance: culturalyork.org/ resources-for-creatives

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Events For details, visit yceapa.org

APRIL Thursday, April 3 | 5-9 pm

Showcasing YoCo: The YCEA Keynote Event presented by WellSpan Health Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd.

GO GREEN IN THE CITY 2025, presented by Bus Climate Control and York Water Company, is happening in Downtown York on Saturday, April 26, from 10 am-3 pm. This fun, family-friendly festival celebrates green, healthy, and local living, and features more than 50 vendors, live music, food, children’s activities, and much more!

For more information, visit downtownyorkpa.com/ go-green-in-the-city

Tuesday, April 8 | 11:30 am–1 pm

Nonprofits Led by and For Women, A WBCO Luncheon Event presented by UPMC Heritage Hills Resort, Terrace Room, 2700 Mt. Rose Ave.

Wednesday, April 30 | 7:30-8:30 am

Early Childhood Investment Benefits Us All, An Economic Insights Series event presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd.

For details, visit downtownyorkpa.com

MAY

MARCH

Tuesday, May 13 | 11:30 am–1 pm

Saturday, March 29 | 2-5 pm

A Focus on Mental Health, A WBCO Luncheon Event presented by UPMC Heritage Hills Resort, Terrace Room, 2700 Mt. Rose Ave.

Wednesday, May 28 | 7:30-8:30 am

Non-Profit Resiliency & Capital Campaigns, An Economic Insights Series event presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group Wyndham Garden York, 2000 Loucks Rd.

Thursday, May 29 | 11:30 am–1:30 pm

Legislative Luncheon presented by Buchart Horn, Inc. Heritage Hills Resort, Terrace Room, 2700 Mt. Rose Ave. 22

Sip & Savor presented by Harley-Davidson Motor Co – York Vehicle Operations

APRIL Friday, April 4 | 5-9 PM First Friday presented by WellSpan Health

MAY Thursday, May 1 - Friday, May 2 Give Local York and First Friday YoCo Connect Spring 2025

Quest for Quality National Award Winner

By Working as One we are continuously improving the health and quality of care for everyone in the communities we proudly serve.

We are honored to be named as the national winner of the prestigious American Hospital Association Quest for Quality Prize for our: •

Commitment to improving quality

•

Leadership and innovation

•

Dedication to advancing health for our patients

WellSpan.org/QuestforQuality

After all, building healthier and vibrant communities is more than a vision – it’s our promise.

YoCo Connect Spring 2025

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144 Roosevelt Ave. Suite 100 York, PA 17401

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YoCo Connect Spring 2025