Our Mission

Radiant Hall empowers artists to sustain thriving studio practices by creating and preserving access to space, shared resources, programs, and a supportive community of peers.

Radiant Hall is proud to be an Allegheny Regional Asset and a member of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, Artist Communities Alliance, and W.A.G.E.

STAFF

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2012

Radiant Hall Studios originated in 2012, when Ryan Lammie was looking for a studio space, after returning to his hometown, Pittsburgh from Brooklyn, New York. That year, Lammie signed a lease for a makeshift studio in a 1930s former Polish social hall (Radiant Hall) in Lawrenceville. Finding himself with more space than he could use, he invited artist friends to share the space. In just a few months, they hosted an open studio event that brought in 250 guests, who were given a rare peek into the studios of working artists. Having lived in Brooklyn during a period of rapidly increasing real estate values, Lammie was acutely aware of the socio-economic impact--and the fragility--of local artist-run spaces.

2015

In 2015, Radiant Hall became an established 501(c)(3) nonprofit with Lammie as Executive Director. Since its formalization as an organization, Radiant Hall developed professional development programs, and collaborations to generate networking and exhibition opportunities for artists in the Pittsburgh Area. With the support of the foundation community, and a new non-profit status, Radiant Hall embarked on an ambitious expansion plan to meet growing need, increasing its studio space in Fall 2015 by 150%.

TODAY

Radiant Hall now operates over 100 studios (43,000sf) in three locations. While our mission is rooted in ensuring space for artists to create, we also believe that building a community centered around providing equitable opportunities for artists to develop, share, and grow their practice or creative business is just as essential.

Now in our 10th operating year, Radiant Hall has achieved a number of key milestones, and taken on exciting new projects to better serve the local arts community.

In 2020, we opened our newest studio location in McKees Rocks. The 22,000 sq ft facility offers the potential to nearly double the amount of studio space we are able to provide. We also established the Knotzland Residency—led by Homewood-based artist and entrepreneur Nisha Blackwell--designed to support BIPOC and other marginalized creatives. In response to COVID-19, we engaged over 300 volunteers in a collaborative mask-making effort, and launched Pop-Up Markets, which have since featured over 300 local artists and small businesses as vendors.

In 2021, we undertook a successful planned leadership transition and welcomed Marina Balko as the new Executive Director. Balko has a background in arts leadership both locally and nationally. We were also recognized as a vital resource for the local creative community by the Allegheny Regional Asset District, joining the ranks of libraries, public parks, and cultural institutions designated as RAD Assets.

In 2022, we reached a major benchmark of 270 artists and creatives hosted in our studio spaces. We also launched our first open call in collaboration with BOOM Concepts for BOOM Universe @ Radiant Hall, a residency program dedicated to the advancement of Black/Brown, Femme, and Queer artists and creative entrepreneurs.

In early 2023, we welcomed our first participant in the Post-Graduate Studio Residency program.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

For information about studio availability, or to arrange a tour, please visit the studios page and submit an inquiry.

For more info on upcoming programming, or to rsvp for an event, please visit our calendar page.

Details on accessibility at each of our three studio locations can be found on the studios page. If you have any questions, would like support with specific access needs, or have feedback about your experience, contact Shanae Phillips at shanae@radianthall.org or 412.465.0803.