Our belief is that by investing in arts and cultural organizations the Lancaster County Community Foundation can enhance the quality of life of residents in Lancaster County.  Residents and visitors have the opportunity to experience the heritage and modernity of Lancaster through architecture, cultural exhibits, businesses, visual displays, music and artistic performances. 

The institutions creating the infrastructure behind these opportunities create vibrant street life, promote ethno-cultural and intellectual diversity and support the creation of important social bonds.  The future prosperity of our community depends on the creativity, growth and sustainability of these organizations.

The Lancaster County Community Foundation will facilitate and encourage the sustainability and growth of arts organizations and arts related businesses by focusing the following goals:

• GOAL 1: Increase the capacity and effectiveness of arts organizations
• GOAL 2: Increase the capacity and effectiveness of arts-related businesses
• GOAL 3: Increase awareness of and appreciation for our arts among residents
• GOAL 4:  Promote Lancaster as a destination to arts visitors

Beginning in June 2008, The Community Foundation will embark on three strategies. The first strategy focuses on collecting marketing research data.  The major research question is, “what are the primary opportunities for the delivery and promoting of arts to enhance the lives of residents of Lancaster County?” 

The second strategy focuses on sustaining and growing keystone arts organizations by sharing best practices and identifying key points of collaboration.  The third strategy focuses on a competitive grant making program aimed at building community through encouraging participation in and access to the arts.