WBTT chosen for Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe is thrilled to announce that it has been selected to join the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program. This initiative helps cultural organizations across the U.S. and U.K. to strengthen technology and management practices to improve operations, drive revenue, increase fundraising, engage broader audiences, and deliver dynamic programming.

WBTT was driven to apply for the opportunity as its 3-5-year strategic plan identified growing its geographic reach and audience demographic variety as key strategic goals. Of particular urgency is WBTT’s desire to grow the percentage of its Black and younger audiences.

Digital infrastructure improvements through WBTT’s website will help the organization to better communicate in an exciting way with younger and more diverse populations who live comfortably in a digital world and expect dynamic, user-friendly digital formats. The redesigned website will also help WBTT to efficiently reach larger regions, where print and TV media markets are more expensive, and allow the organization to engage in relevant ways through the digital platforms and social media frequented by members of the Black community.

“As a Black theatre, we work diligently to provide relevant programming to the community, seek diversity on our Board and staff, and build meaningful relationships in the Black community,” said WBTT Executive Director Julie Leach. “Our digital infrastructure improvements are going to help us to better engage more diverse patrons and supporters as well as provide a more modern, user-friendly tool for all who wish to learn more about us, purchase tickets and/or provide financial support. We are immensely grateful to Bloomberg Philanthropies for this incredible opportunity!”

WBTT's Marketing & Communications Director, Beth Graves, is serving as the Bloomberg Tech Fellow and project manager on this effort. Her Digital Accelerator work includes consultation with WBTT's assigned digital advisor and collaboration with other organizations in the program.

Over the past three years, the Digital Accelerator Program has been a catalyst for strengthening nearly 150 cultural organizations across the U.S. and U.K. To date, the 40 institutions that were part of the first cohort cumulatively grew an additional $20 million in new revenue (including through fundraising), reached over 1 million new audience members, and engaged more than 4,000 new artists and partners.

WBTT is one of 200 total nonprofit cultural organizations that have been accepted into Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator Program, spanning artistic disciplines and organization size in 52 U.S. and 28 U.K. cities.

For more about WBTT, visit westcoastblacktheatre.org.

About Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe
The mission of Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is to produce professional theater that promotes and celebrates African American history and experience; engages a broad base of patrons and audiences; supports the development of a dynamic group of aspiring artists; and builds confidence in youth of color. Visit westcoastblacktheatre.org for more information.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2023, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.