Many Black artists are uniting to publicly indict white institutions for decades of inequity and lack of diversity and are demanding change. However, we have decided to focus our energy on building a system of financial support for Black theaters across the country, which allows our theaters to expand, own space, and invest in training and cultivating the next generation of Black artists, playwrights, designers, stage managers, crew members, administrators, directors, and producers.
The Black Theatre Arts Fund at the East Bay Community Foundation is an opportunity for all of us to dedicate a portion of our resources to Black theaters around the country so they can survive COVID-19 and beyond. If you believe Black Lives Matter, then you believe Black Theatre Matters. It is time for all hands on deck. Take a moment and give what you can.
Let’s own our present and our future.