For two decades the Multicultural Arts Initiative has broadened Pittsburgh's cultural landscape to include arts programming that reflects the diversity of the region.

After more than 600 grants totaling close to $7 million and a list of grantees that's as varied as it is long, the organization is celebrating its accomplishments and its 20th anniversary this evening at the New Hazlett Theater on the North Side.

The cocktail reception and art auction begin at 6 p.m., followed by a program honoring Pittsburgh sculptor Thaddeus Mosley with special guests dancer/choreographer Dwana A. Smallwood, former principal dancer of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and actor Bill Nunn.

The organization also will introduce its new executive director, Robert A. Reed, and pay tribute to outgoing board chairman Oliver W. Byrd, who has been at the helm for 10 years.

"It's real important if we want to be recognized as an important region we've got to embrace diversity and inclusion in every avenue of our lives," said Mr. Byrd, senior vice president of The Bank of New York Mellon. "This was one area where I could make a contribution."

Curator Janera Solomon, who has developed a number of local projects with the help of the multicultural initiative's funding, said the organization supports artists that otherwise would have a hard time getting funding for various reasons.

"They might be an individual artist; in other cases they may just be new to the arts scene, a new producer or dancer who decides to create their own piece," Ms. Solomon said. "So MCAI is a wonderful support for self-producers."

"I've worked in the arts in a lot of different ways for a long time. When I produced my own things I found their advice extremely helpful."

Some of the projects Ms. Solomon has developed are arts programming during the National Urban League Convention, including the festival on the Roberto Clemente Bridge, the Feel Like Goin' On exhibit by Pittsburgh photographers and the Steel Band Showcase.

Artists who are first funded by the multicultural initiative often are able to get funding by larger organizations such as the Heinz Endowments or the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, she said.

"MCAI has definitely opened doors for many artists, myself included," Ms. Solomon said.

Artists not only benefit financially from the initiative's grants, but the organization also provides guidance, technical assistance and information about other artists and funding sources.

"It helps to create a community of artists just by doing more than just giving you a check," she said.

In addition to funding artists and arts programs ranging from the Afro-American Music Institute to the Latin American Cultural Union, the Silk Screen Asian American Film Festival and the Pittsburgh Black Theatre Dance Ensemble, the initiative has opened a lot of doors for African Americans to be arts administrators and funders.

"We weren't tracking it officially, but as we look back we can count the numbers of people introduced to arts administration as a result of their association with MCAI," Mr. Byrd said. "That's something we're really proud of as well."

Mr. Byrd and others involved with the initiative, including the organization's founders, Janet Sarbaugh and Phyllis Morman Goode, were instrumental in the push for what is now called the August Wilson Center for African American Culture, slated to open Downtown next year.

He described it as a "place where arts and culture can thrive."

Mr. Byrd said he's stepping down as board chairman because, with the completion of that project, there needs to be fresh leadership and ideas and the selection of a new initiative director.

"I think it's still a journey," Mr. Byrd said of the initiative's goal. "But I think we've made a lot of progress along that journey."