PACA

At the Performing Artists Collective Alliance (PACA), we believe art doesn't just entertain, it uplifts, connects, and drives lasting change. Since opening our doors in 2010, PACA has served as a home for Erie's creative spirit, a vibrant, inclusive space where artists and audiences come together to share stories, express ideas, and build community.

Located in the Nationally Registered Historic Mayer Building at 1505 State Street, PACA is more than a venue, it's a living, breathing ecosystem. With 70,000 square feet of shared space and more than 50 resident artists, we are a cultural anchor for Erie, preserving the city's rich history while shaping its creative future. Our studios and spaces host a wide range of disciplines, from theatre, music, and dance to visual arts and writing. This diversity fuels collaboration, nurtures emerging talent, and strengthens Erie's cultural fabric.

This year, your gift on Erie Gives Day keeps PACA's stage alive and its home growing: the lights and sound that turn a script into a night people remember, and the studios and stages themselves, including our expanded fifth floor, opening up more room for artists to create. It funds a full season of productions, including Uncle Vanya, The Shark is Broken, and The Last Five Years, and keeps our doors open to every artist who needs a place to thrive.

When you give to PACA, you're supporting:

A Thriving Theatre Season
From musicals and comedies to dramas and original work, PACA's performances bring people together and spark conversation.

Affordable Creative Space
Accessible studios and rehearsal space so local artists, teachers, and creatives can develop and share their work without financial barriers.

Historic Preservation
Honoring and maintaining our historic downtown home, keeping this space alive as a beacon for the arts.

A Stronger Creative Community
Through diverse programming and partnerships, PACA creates opportunity for artists and businesses alike, supporting Erie's economy while enriching lives.

Art isn't a luxury, it's a vital part of a thriving city. It draws visitors, fuels innovation, boosts local business, and improves quality of life. PACA is proud to play a part in that, and with your help on Erie Gives Day, we can do even more.

Help us keep the lights on, the stage full, and the doors open to every artist who calls PACA home.

"Live Forward" -Mark Tanenbaum