WBTT Successfully Participates in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Digital Accelerator Program

After a competitive application process and months of learning and work, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (WBTT) is thrilled to launch its new website, an achievement reached through its selection for and participation in 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 was WBTT’s desire to grow the percentage of Black and younger audiences.

The arts organization’s previous website was over a decade old, with an outdated appearance and constructed on a platform that forced WBTT to work with an external consultant for updates. The new site was created on WordPress and WBTT will now be able to execute up-to-the-minute updates internally. Additionally, the site features dynamic videos and large photos – mirroring the excitement that WBTT is known for – utilizes user-friendly navigation and is easy to read.

The goal is for the digital infrastructure improvements is to 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. It is expected that 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.

“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 or provide financial support,” said WBTT Executive Director Julie Leach. “We are immensely grateful to Bloomberg Philanthropies for this incredible opportunity and are extremely proud of the final result!”

WBTT's Marketing & Communications Director, Beth Graves, has served 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 cultural organizations across the U.S. and U.K. To date, institutions that have participated in the Digital Accelerator Program collectively 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 the nearly 200 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.