3 Dots Downtown has eliminated two administrative leadership positions as the nonprofit arts, culture and innovation hub in State College restructures amid what its board called “drastic” funding cuts with a loss in federal money and uncertainty surrounding state grants.
The 3 Dots board said in a statement on Monday that it made the “difficult decision” to eliminate the positions of executive director Erica Quinn and assistant director Elena Quinones this month. Jean Roman is continuing in her role as operations and events coordinator.
“3 Dots has always thrived on the dedication of its people” Eston Martz, 3 Dots board chair, said in a statement. “With Jean Roman anchoring our daily work, the board is leading with focus and care to carry the mission forward. We are grateful for Erica and Elena’s outstanding leadership and excited that they will continue to play an active role in shaping the 3 Dots community.”
“3 Dots is alive because of everyone who shows up with curiosity and courage,” Quinn added. “Together, we make space for experimentation, joy and connection. I’m thrilled to keep championing creativity here in Centre County and across the state and to see where our collective energy takes us next.”
The restructuring comes as 3 Dots faces a substantial loss in federal funds and questions about what it may receive in grants from a delayed state budget.
Among other cuts, the Trump administration has canceled or withdrawn hundreds of National Endowment for the Arts grants to organizations across the country and suggested the agency be eliminated entirely. Pennsylvania’s budget, meanwhile, is now nearly three months late.
3 Dots’ funding comes from federal and state grants, along with income from renting its 137 W. Beaver Ave. space, donations from individuals and local support from the likes of State College Borough and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. Martz told StateCollege.com that 3 Dots projects its budget for this year will be less than less than half of last year’s $550,000.
“Between federal grants that have been eliminated and state grants that remain in limbo due to the budget, we currently anticipate that our budget for this year will total $250,000,” Martz said.
Since opening in 2019, 3 Dots has hosted artistic and cultural experiences, supporting events, exhibitions, performances and community conversations.
It’s also fostered creative entrepreneurship, serving as an incubator for programming partners that have gone on to establish their own brick-and-mortar locations, including the Blue Brick Theatre, The Print Factory, Centre LGBTQ+ and Manny’s Performance Space.
Its monthly Awesome Grant Program, meanwhile, has awarded more than $75,000 to help local individuals and groups bring their creative ideas to life.
“3 Dots Downtown remains a hub for creativity, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit,” Martz said. “The organization will keep fueling new ideas through Awesome Grants, sparking energy with performances and exhibitions, and bringing people together for vital community conversations. Our space will also stay open and flexible—ready to be activated by groups and individuals with visions of their own.”
Community members interested in supporting 3 Dots can visit 3dotsdowntown.com/donate to make a donation or 3dotsdowntown.com/get-involved to get involved.
