PHILADELPHIA: The Black Theatre Alliance of Philadelphia (BTAP), inspired by We See You White American Theater and Black Theatre United, has announced an initiative to support Black artists the Greater Philadelphia area. The coalition will disperse $200 micro-grants to 20 local Black artists to invest in themselves in any way.

“Philadelphia is an extraordinary place for the arts, but the arts woefully underrepresent the demographics of Philadelphia,” said Lindsay Smiling, BTAP steering committee member, Wilma HotHouse member, and actor, in a statement. “For years I’ve felt we needed Black-built and -run organizations to foster growth in the theatre community in order to truly represent the city. My colleagues in BTAP came together to do just that.”

BTAP plans to expand its programming to include healing space workshops, a mentorship program for emerging artists, community gatherings to foster joyful celebration of Blackness, fiscal support for Black artists, an all-Black space for artists to dive into restorative justice practice in their communities, and more.

Philadelphia-based Black artists can apply for micro-grants here and  join BTAP’s Facebook group.