Nicole Henninger
Nicole Henninger has spent nearly 15 years advancing arts and culture and championing equity in the creative ecosystem in the Pittsburgh region through grantmaking, artist support, and program development. As a member of The Pittsburgh Foundation's Program and Community Engagement Department, she helps connect artists and arts organizations with the resources, relationships, and visibility they need to thrive.
Nicole manages a grantmaking portfolio that strengthens the region's arts ecosystem by supporting individual artists and small and mid-sized arts organizations as they realize their creative vision, build community connection, and enhance the region's vibrant cultural landscape. She played a key role in designing and implementing the Exposure Artists Program and Exposure Artists Fellowship Program, initiatives created to elevate the work of diverse, local artists and collectives. She also provides programmatic leadership and administrative oversight for Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh, one of the region's only grantmaking initiatives dedicated to individual artists, artist residencies, nonprofits and community-based programs producing or presenting Black art and cultural events amplifying the art of the African diaspora.
Beyond the arts portfolio she manages, Nicole has contributed to a range of Foundation initiatives, including the Carol R. Brown Creative Achievement Awards, the Eben Demarest Awards, scientific research programs, and projects supporting Philanthropic Resources. Her work reflects a commitment to strengthening both the individuals and institutions that make our region a place where the places where they live, work and play reflect the rich histories and diverse identities represented in our community.
Before joining the Foundation, Nicole worked in project management and communications roles at Pittsburgh-area nonprofit organizations. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications from Point Park University.
Outside of work, Nicole enjoys exploring Pittsburgh's parks and experiencing the many arts and cultural events that make the region unique.