about us - The Union Project

"I just have to say---it is heart warming, hope restoring and faith building to hear of the efforts and community mobilizing you folks are facilitating...So refreshing when news generally works against those life-giving values."

Viola from Harrisonburg, Virginia

The Union Project's purpose is to create connections and opportunities for learning through the arts —both culinary and craft arts —and through community-based programming intended to serve the needs of the surrounding neighborhoods.

The Union Project is committed to building sustainability through viable social enterprises ventures, mission-focused programs, and strong community volunteers.

Key to meeting its mission and focusing on sustainability, the Union Project houses the following social enterprises that are creating new economic opportunities for neighborhood residents.

Space Rental - providing gathering space for community, family, and professional events
Ceramics@UP – a pottery studio and co-op, offering classes to children and adults
Glass Action – preserving historic windows

The Union Project serves as a highly visible catalyst for neighborhood redevelopment and historic preservation on a large scale – and will develop the hearts, minds and skills of community members along with the physical space. The Union Project represents the best of Pittsburgh’s creative thinking, action and investment. This community-supported project will only exponentially increase its impact as funds are raised and capital work is completed to transform and reuse this important building.

"The Union Project is a great example of how the people of a community, though culturally and socially diverse, can come together to make positive change."

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl

Providing community space to connect, create & celebrate.

The innovative use of a prominent community building to provide neighborhood gathering and working space for artists, community builders and people of faith.

Aims

1. Community wealth is created and sustained.
2. Culturally and socially diverse neighbors work and play together.
3. Ceramic and stained glass art is promoted, created, and taught.

Core values

Creative Expression – we value creativity and are dedicated to infusing it into all aspects of our work including tackling organizational and community problems with an entrepreneurial spirit.
Community and Its Development – we believe in turning geography into community – therefore, we are dedicated to place-based efforts to transform communities and their residents through economic and community development opportunities
Serving Leadership – we believe hands on service cultivates investment and leadership.
Faith – we hope in things not yet seen which creates the basis for taking appropriate risks on behalf of the community.
Reconciliation – we value the social and cultural diversity of our neighborhoods. Accordingly, we are dedicated to fostering constructive relationships among neighbors.