Responding to a January 2015 report that highlighted a lack of racial diversity in New York arts groups, New York City announced March 16 that it has allocated $2 million to the city's theatre groups to support "a more inclusive theatre community."
Guidelines are being sent out to more than 1,000 arts groups and individuals in the five boroughs of New York, seeking applicants for the funds, according to Ryan Max of the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.
Specifically, the grants are being offered to provide training for production and technical personnel such as stage managers; stagehands; costumers; sound and lighting technicians; administrative and management personnel such as company managers; general managers; press agents; development, marketing, advertising and digital media staff; union administrators; and non-performing artistic personnel such as directors, designers, playwrights, composers, lyricists and casting agents. Other categories of theatre management are also eligible.
The grants are designed "to expand access to professional positions in the theater and the breadth of people prepared to hold these positions and advance in this field" by promoting "the development and training of non-performing theater professionals, with a focus on engaging diverse participants."
Individual grants will range from $50,000 to $250,000, out of a total pool of $2 million. The grant period will cover the 18 months from January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018, and proposals must cover activities during that time period.
However, existing programs that continue into that period will be eligible to apply.
For more information, visit the Theatre Subdistrict Council web page.
Email applications are not being accepted. Applicants must mail their applications to:
Barbara Janowitz
TSC Program Administrator
c/o NYC Dept. of City Planning
120 Broadway, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10271
The proposal explains, "For nearly ten years, the Theater Subdistrict Council (TSC) has worked to preserve the long-term viability of the Broadway Theater Subdistrict though a special fund established by a New York City Zoning Resolution in connection with the transfer of development rights from Broadway theaters. More than $5.7 million in grants has been awarded over four previous funding cycles to a range of projects to advance the TSC’s goals of promoting the production of new theater work, developing new audiences, showcasing Broadway’s singular role in the history of American theater, and encouraging innovations in theater management."
