strategic arts integration

Erica Quinn is a leader in reshaping the arts economy to prioritize equity, sustainability, arts-integration, and community-driven initiatives. Through her work, Quinn drives economic growth by fostering partnerships that create measurable impact for artists, cultural organizations, and the broader community. Her efforts ensure that resources are distributed more equitably, strengthening the cultural sector and its economic contributions.

By focusing on inclusivity, shared decision-making, and mutual care, Quinn builds meaningful relationships between artists, local businesses, government entities, and community groups. These collaborations not only enrich the cultural landscape but also boost local economies through job creation, increased tourism, and the development of new markets for arts-related goods and services.

Quinn is committed to breaking down traditional barriers and encouraging cross-sector collaboration. She works to create sustainable structures that ensure long-term growth in the arts sector, from fair compensation to accessible resources. Her approach aligns economic support with community needs, filling gaps in funding and advocating for policy change that benefits both artists and the economy at large.

A key part of Quinn’s work is amplifying the voices of marginalized artists and ensuring they have access to the resources needed for growth. By connecting these artists with funding, mentorship, and professional development, Quinn helps build a more inclusive, resilient, and economically robust arts economy—one that generates lasting social and financial value.

Rhoneymeade Fest

Co-Producer 2022-present

As co-producer of Rhoneymeade Fest, I’ve worked alongside Gorinto Productions to grow this left-of-center, exploratory festival into a thriving hub for music, visual arts, and culture. What started as an intimate spontaneous gathering has become a four-day celebration drawing 3K+ attendees, 50+ international artists, and a vibrant mix of artisan vendors and local food and drink purveyors—all while fueling the local economy.

By weaving together arts, agriculture, and community spaces, I’ve helped expand the festival’s reach beyond Rhoneymeade’s stunning gardens and working farm, activating downtown State College businesses as performance venues and driving foot traffic to local shops, restaurants, and creative enterprises. Rhoneymeade Fest build a more connected, resilient, and artist-supported economy in Centre County.

calder way construction placemaking project

Facilitator, Summer 2024

When a major downtown construction project raised community concerns, I brought together 3 Dots, the Downtown State College Improvement District, the Borough of State College, and curator-in-residence Margalo Guo to transform the site into a temporary public art gallery. This initiative amplified diverse voices, engaged local businesses, and reimagined the space as a cultural asset rather than a disruption.

Serving as a proof of concept for a future mural corridor, this project showcased the power of public art to drive economic impact and collaboration to spark dialogue and strengthen community identity.

margalo guo placemaking residency

Facilitator, Summer 2024

As the director behind this residency, I had the privilege of choosing Margalo Guo and connecting her with three distinct public art projects that responded to the unique needs of each client. Throughout these projects, I played a central role in aligning artists with clients, ensuring the work met the unique goals of each space while fostering deeper community engagement and connection.

At Boal City Brewing, Margalo’s mural bridged the worlds of outdoor recreation and the arts, aligning with the business’s vision for community engagement. Through this collaboration, she brought together the natural environment and artistic expression, creating a vibrant connection to the space.

At Schlow Library, Margalo invited the community to participate in the artistic process through the “Make Your Mark” program. This program allowed local participants to co-create a mural that celebrated folk traditions of the Chinese phoenix, turning the artwork into a shared cultural experience.

At 3 Dots, Margalo’s bold pop art mural became a landmark piece that blended art history lineages and resonated with the space’s goal of fostering inclusivity and dynamic visual storytelling.

pugh street shutdowns

Director, 2022-2024

Between 2022-2024, 3 Dots hosted 10 transformative placemaking community block parties, drawing over 10,000 attendees. These events were designed with direct input from the community: "What do you want to see?" This grassroots approach ensured that the block parties were not only dynamic and inclusive but also economically impactful, stimulating local businesses and the regional economy.

By bringing together local artisans, vendors, and performers, these events provided a direct boost to small businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those from marginalized communities. Local shops and food vendors saw increased foot traffic, while global musicians, culture bearers, and DJs were given platforms that helped them expand their audiences and gain recognition. In turn, these block parties fostered collaborations between government agencies, cultural organizations, and local businesses, creating opportunities for future partnerships and long-term economic growth.

These free, outdoor concerts reimagined public space for just a few hours, but their economic impact lingered long after the music stopped. By supporting small businesses, attracting visitors to the area, and fostering a sense of shared cultural pride, 3 Dots not only cultivated community connection but also contributed to a sustainable, vibrant local economy.

This series reflects 3 Dots' commitment to inclusive arts collaborations, economic vitality, and global equity, offering accessible, high-quality arts experiences that support a diverse and flourishing arts ecosystem for all.