In a move blending bold entertainment vision with cultural responsibility, Caesars Palace Times Square has joined forces with Roc Nation and celebrated actor–producer Wendell Pierce to create the New York Coalition of Legacy Theatres of Color Fund — a $10 million commitment aimed at uplifting theater institutions that have long been the heart and soul of New York’s Black and Latinx performing arts communities (The Source, StreetInsider.com).
What’s the Fund All About?
- $10 million investment to launch and sustain the Coalition Fund as a new 501(c)(3) entity (The Source, StreetInsider.com).
- It will support historic theaters and ensembles dedicated to spotlighting communities of color, including renowned venues such as the Billie Holiday Theatre, New Heritage Theatre Group, Black Spectrum Theatre, and The Negro Ensemble Company (The Source, StreetInsider.com).
- Beyond financial support, the initiative offers essential resources like childcare for performers and crews, student and medical debt relief, rental assistance, and access to job fairs for theater labor, along with priority placement at Caesars’ entertainment venue (The Source, StreetInsider.com).
- Participating theaters will also gain exposure through Caesars Rewards (65 million members), its app, and on-site promotions at the future Times Square property (The Source, StreetInsider.com).
Why Wendell Pierce’s Involvement Makes This So Powerful
Wendell Pierce — acclaimed for roles like Detective Bunk Moreland in The Wire and his groundbreaking Tony-nominated performance as Willy Loman — brings deep artistic credibility and advocacy to the initiative. His commitment to cultural equity and theatrical excellence deeply enriches the project (The Source).
Pierce summarized the impact:
“As an artist and advocate, I believe that the social justice movement of the 21st Century is economic development … This project will not only be transformative for our creative Broadway community but for the broader labor force as well.” (StreetInsider.com).
Why This Matters for Times Square — and Beyond
- Preserving heritage: This fund tackles a long-standing gap in arts funding, uplifting institutions that tell vital stories of New York’s diverse communities.
- Synergizing entertainment + equity: This partnership represents a holistic approach—where economic development meets cultural stewardship.
- Amplifying voices: By leveraging the marketing power of Caesars Rewards and the infrastructure of a major entertainment hub, these theaters gain reach and sustainability.
- A model for inclusive growth: It sets a promising precedent for how large-scale development can invest meaningfully in local communities and their cultural icons.
Takeaway: This partnership between Caesars Palace Times Square, Roc Nation, and Wendell Pierce is about more than entertainment or infrastructure—it’s a blueprint for inclusive cultural preservation and economic empowerment in one of the world’s most iconic districts.