Projects & Programs

Through annual and special events, exhibits, educational programs and community involvement the NTCA fosters awareness and appreciation of the arts produced by the unique blend of diverse cultures found in our region.

The PA North Country is home to rolling hills, deep forests, small towns, lush farmlands, and the West and North Branches of the mighty Susquehanna River. It is this landscape, in part, that has defined the heritage and culture of the people who call this region home. The agriculture and lumber industries were, and continue to be, major influences in the region. In recognition of this influence, many of NTCA's projects focus on the connections the people have to the land.

Agriculture
In 2004, NTCA hosted the Changing Agricultural Landscapes...A Gathering to Talk about the Future of Farming in North Central Pennsylvania Conference. The goal was to bring people together to increase their awareness and appreciation of the economic, aesthetic and cultural importance of agriculture as a viable industry. In continuation of the issues raised and discussed at the Conference, which included the education of the public, in particular the younger generations, as to the role and importance of agriculture to the future of this country and to the heritage and culture of this region, NTCA is working with regional groups such as the Endless Mountains Heritage Region to develop projects and programs that support the heritage and future of agriculture. This has included an annual Agriculture Heritage Day, support of regional Farmer's Market efforts, the development of a "Northern Tier Buy Fresh Buy Local" Chapter, and our 2008: Year of the Barn Project.

Artist Gathering
This annual event offers regional artists a chance to get together and share inspiration and encouragement in a casual environment, ideal for sharing ideas and information. For more information on this program, visit the Artist Gathering page.

From Heart to Hand
Our annual exhibit, From Heart to Hand, showcases the work of artists living and working in Pennsylvania's North Country. The site of the exhibit moves around the region each year to provide exposure to different communities. For more information on this program, visit the From Heart to Hand page.

Pennsylvania North Country Artisan Center & Store
On September 1, 2006, NTCA opened the PA North Country Artisan Center & Store at the Washington Street Station in Towanda. The vision of the Center & Store is to create a space that:

• Provides retail space for local artisans and food producers to sell their goods.
• Provides assistance to the small business owner specializing in locally produced products by helping them market and build awareness of their products.
• Creates tools for local consumers and tourists that will help them connect, allowing for the purchase of regional farm and craft products.
• Educates the public about cultural traditions, history and art of the Pennsylvania Northern Tier and assists tradition bearers and traditional artists in the preservation of their work through interpretive exhibits and demonstrations/classes.

The Center & Store provides a non-grant revenue stream as well as another instrument through which to “educate the public about cultural traditions, history and art of the Pennsylvania Northern Tier and to assist tradition bearers and traditional artists in the preservation of their work.”

Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts
In partnership with the PA Council on the Arts, NTCA facilitates the PA Partners in the Arts (PPA) Project and Program Streams for Potter, Clinton, Cameron, Lycoming, and Northumberland Counties. This program of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts provides grants of up to $4,000, to eligible organizations or individuals to conduct arts projects. For additional information, visit our PPA page.

Pennsylvannia Route 6 Artisan Trail
The PA Route 6 Artisan Trail is a year-round trail designed to establish Route 6 as a driving destination for exploring the heritage and folk-life of northern Pennsylvania through products produced in that area, specifically the arts and crafts. The Trail covers the 400-plus miles from the New York border to the Ohio border. NTCA works with the Bradford County Regional Arts Council, the PA Route 6 Heritage Corporation and the PA Route 6 Tourist Association to identify trail participants, offer workshops and trainings for participants, and develop small business opportunities for trail participants. For more information on the Artisan Trail and its sites, visit www.PARoute6.com.