When the Strategic Downtown Revitalization Plan was completed in 2015 the focus was on creating the physical infrastructure needed to redefine the character and identity of the commercial core. What the plan lacked was detailed focus on the actual programs, partnerships, and specific strategies needed to nurture arts, cultural expression, social interaction, and innovation. In 2019 the Alliance worked with community partners to develop an Arts and Culture Strategic Plan to fill in these critical gaps.

Working together with arts and cultural organizations the Alliance is undertaking specific programs and initiatives designed to address the goals of the plan, which are to: Make art and cultural programming more accessible and affordable to the community; Cultivate a new generation of artists and creatives by investing in youth programs; Raise awareness and celebrate our community’s history, perseverance, and diversity; Recruit “creative” entrepreneurs and nurture new creative businesses; Supplement and expand art education offerings; and Help strengthen existing arts and cultural organizations.

The Alliance is achieving these goals by organizing special cultural events throughout the year, supporting the development of an Art Youth Engagement program in partnership with the Hazleton Art League, and funding public art projects.

Downtown Hazleton Revitalization Strategies

Arts & Cultural Programming

Clockwise from left: Cover photo of the Arts & Cultural Strategic Plan, 2019 (featuring chalk art by Mariluz Rodriguez during the annual Peace Love Chalk competition); Teen open mic night at the Sage Exchange during Hazleton Art League’s annual Art Youth Expo 8 (photo by Chris Adval Productions); Hispanic restaurant and bodega tasting tour (photo by Chris Adval Productions); Actors perform The Drunken Chaparone at the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts (PTPA).