A $10 MILLION DOLLAR FUNDING DEAL HAS BEEN ORCHESTRATED

New York, NY — Caesars Palace Times Square and Roc Nation have teamed up with actor and activist Wendell Pierce to create a $10 million fund aimed at preserving and revitalizing New York’s historic theatres of color. The initiative — the New York Coalition of Legacy Theatres of Color Fund (CLTC) — is set to roll out pending approval of a gaming license for Caesars Palace Times Square.

The CLTC will make direct investments in landmark institutions that have long shaped Black theatre and performance in the city, including the Billie Holiday Theatre and The Negro Ensemble Company. Organizers say the fund is specifically designed to address structural funding disparities and boost cultural visibility for theatres that have historically been under-resourced.

 

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What the Fund Will Do

The CLTC is intended to be more than a one-off grant program. In addition to direct funding, recipients will receive a suite of operational and community supports aimed at long-term sustainability:

• Childcare and rental support — to reduce barriers for artists and parents participating in theatre work and programming.
• Debt relief resources — to help institutions restructure liabilities and stabilize finances.
• Exclusive job fairs and employment opportunities — connecting theatres with hiring pipelines across entertainment and hospitality partners linked to Caesars and Roc Nation.

Leadership & Vision

Wendell Pierce — known for his acting work on The Wire and his civic advocacy — will serve as a public advocate and partner in community outreach for the CLTC. Roc Nation brings industry reach and cultural influence, while Caesars Palace Times Square provides capital and operational support, conditional on licensing approval.

“This is about protecting legacies and creating pathways for the next generation,” said Wendell Pierce. “These theatres built culture, launched careers, and deserve sustained investment.”

Why This Matters

Institutions like the Billie Holiday Theatre and The Negro Ensemble Company played a central role in developing Black playwrights, actors, directors, and technicians — yet many still struggle to secure reliable funding and infrastructure. By pairing philanthropic capital with job pipelines and practical supports, the CLTC aims to create both immediate relief and long-term resilience.

Next Steps & Community Impact

The CLTC’s launch hinges on the approval of Caesars Palace Times Square’s gaming license. If approved, the program organizers plan to open an application process for legacy theatres, with the first round of grants and support services expected to be distributed within the first year.

Community leaders say the fund could serve as a model for other cities seeking to preserve culturally specific arts institutions and to build cross-sector partnerships that center equity.

For more updates and details about application timelines, visit WorldWide Entertainment TV or the official sites of the Billie Holiday Theatre and The Negro Ensemble Company.