WESTMORELAND
CULTURAL TRUST
Photo Credit : Ben Filio for Remake Learning
BRINGING JOY, DRIVING GROWTH, AND BUILDING
COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
As part of WTAE-TV’s “Bridges of Good Work” initiative, which highlights stories of generosity, compassion, and community service across Western Pennsylvania, we spotlight the incredible work of Westmoreland Cultural Trust—an organization that proves the arts do more than entertain; they heal, unite, and uplift.
In the heart of Greensburg, Westmoreland Cultural Trust (WCT) is doing far more than hosting events, concerts, and dynamic art and educational experiences—it’s strengthening the social and economic fabric of the region. As the largest arts and cultural nonprofit in Westmoreland County and the Laurel Highlands, WCT plays a vital role in preserving historic landmarks, driving tourism, and enriching lives through the arts. The organization manages multiple properties, including the iconic Palace Theatre, the Greensburg Garden & Civic Center, and the historic Union Trust and Stark/James buildings. With every show, festival, and arts initiative, WCT delivers on its mission to bring joy to the region through powerful cultural programming, community engagement, and unforgettable live experiences.
Each year, WCT welcomes over 157,000 guests through the doors of its venues—most notably, The Palace Theatre, a beautifully restored 1,367-seat venue that has hosted everyone from Jay Leno and Sesame Street Live to the Jonas Brothers, Wiz Khalifa, and even the Dalai Lama. Programming in 2025 is shaping up to be noteworthy, with slated performances by prominent artists including Graham Nash, Bill Murray, Little River Band, Josh Gates, The Wallflowers, Robin Trower—and even a Rocky Horror Picture Show performance featuring original cast member Nell Campbell.
What sets WCT apart is its role not only as a cultural hub, but as an economic engine and tourism driver. In 2024 alone, the Trust generated more than $12.88 million in economic impact, supported nearly 700 jobs in Westmoreland County, and attracted visitors from across the region—more than 60% of its audiences come from outside the county, including many from Allegheny County and the greater Pittsburgh area.
“Westmoreland Cultural Trust does more than just act as stewards of the arts — we are an engine for economic development, community pride, and regional investment,” says Benjamin Luczak, Chief Executive Officer of The Trust.
WCT’s story is deeply personal for Luczak, a Penn-Trafford graduate who returned home in 2024 after nearly two decades away to lead the organization. Having grown up performing on the very stages he now oversees, Luczak brings a heartfelt commitment to preserving the organization’s legacy and expanding its reach across all the entities the Trust manages.
That reach is growing in new ways, including a recently launched Education & Engagement department focused on both curriculum- and non-curriculum-based programs. A key focus will be creating offerings that benefit and serve historically underserved communities. WCT will also continue expanding its community and cultural initiatives such as Greensburg Music Fest, Old Salem Market, Wedding Expo, ArtsWalk, Achievement in the Arts, Rhythms of Summer, and Wings Across Westmoreland—just to name a few. These events and initiatives, many of which are free to attend, make the arts and live events accessible to all and foster creativity across generations.
WCT takes pride in the enduring relationships it is building with other cultural and nonprofit organizations across the region, such as the August Wilson African American Cultural Center in Pittsburgh, the Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership, and more regional entities such as The Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, and Go Laurel Highlands. When organizations collaborate, the whole community wins—through shared experiences, broader opportunities, and greater civic pride.
WCT also relies on the strength of its community, supported by more than 80 dedicated volunteers who usher Palace Theatre performances and WCT events, contributing meaningfully to the guest experience. In an age marked by uncertainty and digital isolation, Westmoreland Cultural Trust delivers something that feels increasingly rare—pure joy. Whether it’s a shared laugh during a comedy show, the magic of a child’s first concert, or the transformative experience of seeing an art piece for the first time, these moments create lasting connections that ripple far beyond the organization’s mission. They truly change lives.
In 2026, one of Westmoreland Cultural Trust’s flagship properties, The Palace Theatre, will celebrate its 100-year Centennial Anniversary, which coincides closely with America’s 250th Semiquincentennial. WCT is planning a year-long celebration that includes special performances, a community time capsule, and a grand gala. The Centennial will be more than just a celebration and party—it’s a tribute to a legacy of enriching lives through the arts.
Through every performance, every concert, every program, and every arts initiative, Westmoreland Cultural Trust continues to build bridges—not just between communities, but between past and future, tradition and innovation, and people from all walks of life. In doing so, they embody what it truly means to do good work.
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