Earlier this year, more than 1,000 artists and artist-run groups pitched their big ideas for the Philadelphia arts. And on Tuesday, we’ll be announcing the finalists of the 2012 Knight Arts Challenge Philadelphia.

This year’s finalists offer a wide array of innovative ideas to engage and enrich Philadelphia’s communities.

The Knight Arts Challenge Philadelphia is a three-year, $9 million initiative, funded by Knight Foundation, to draw the best and most innovating ideas out of local organizations and individuals seeking to transform the community through the arts. The full list of finalists and ideas will available Tuesday at KnightArts.org. Knight will announce the 2012 winners in the spring.

The challenge was open to anyone with a great idea for the arts that takes place in or benefits Philadelphia. Grant recipients must find funds to match Knight’s commitment.  

Philadelphia is only the second city in which Knight offers the program. Last year, in its inaugural year, the challenge awarded $2.7 million to 36 projects.

The Knight Arts Challenge began in 2008 in Miami, where the initiative recently announced its fourth year winners.