2025 Open Studios photo courtesy of Nick Conti

Pennsylvania Western University is expanding its community arts festival in 2026 thanks to a grant from the EQT Foundation and a formalized partnership with the Mattress Factory Contemporary Art Museum, in Pittsburgh.  

The SWP Art Bash will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, on the PennWest California campus. 

The initiative builds on the success of PennWest California’s 2025 Open Studios, which brought together art alumni, faculty, and students for a day of creativity and connection. With the new funding and partnership, the university will broaden festival programming, deepen community engagement, and create more hands-on learning opportunities for students. 

“PennWest is proud to collaborate with Mattress Factory and the EQT Foundation to strengthen the arts in our region,” said Melissa Kuntz, Assistant Chair of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. 

 “Together, we’re creating a space where young artists, professionals, and community members can learn from one another and celebrate the creative energy that defines Southwestern Pennsylvania.” 

EQT Foundation’s investment supports community engagement projects in Washington, Greene, Fayette, and Westmoreland counties, making the campus an ideal regional hub for creative collaboration. 

The 2026 festival will feature more art demonstrations, live music, and opportunities for art sales. A new regional teen art exhibition, juried by PennWest students, will also debut, connecting high school artists with university mentors and showcasing emerging regional talent. 

In addition to co-developing festival programming, Mattress Factory will mentor PennWest students through planning workshops and two pre-festival internships focused on community engagement. Students will explore real-world applications of art administration, nonprofit work, fundraising, and event planning while collaborating with professional artists and curators. 

“Partnering with PennWest on the Community Arts Festival allows us to extend Mattress Factory’s mission beyond our museum walls,” said Laurie Barnes, Mattress Factory’s Director of Education and Community Engagement.  

“By treating the SWPA Art Bash as a hands-on learning experience, students gain both creative and professional skills,” Barnes said. “They’re not just preparing for careers in the arts, they’re learning how to build community through art.”