Audacity Project

Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.

Founded by Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winning artist Billy Porter, The Audacity Project is creating pathways to opportunity for the next generation of artists, creators, and entertainment industry professionals.

Rooted in Pittsburgh, where Billy’s artistic journey began, The Audacity Project works to ensure young people from historically excluded communities have access to the training, mentorship, resources, and professional connections they need to pursue meaningful behind-the-scenes careers in film and television.

We believe talent knows no boundaries, opportunity shouldn’t be determined by circumstance, and the future of entertainment should reflect the world’s extraordinary diversity.

Our vision is a more inclusive entertainment industry where talent and ambition—not background or access—determine what’s possible.

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OUR STORY

It starts with the audacity to imagine something different.

For Billy Porter, Pittsburgh was where an extraordinary journey began. Access to arts education, mentorship, and opportunities to develop his talent helped set him on a path from his hometown to Broadway, Hollywood, and stages around the world.

Years later, while directing his first feature film, Billy recognized how many talented young people remain excluded from careers in entertainment—not because they lack creativity or ambition, but because they lack access to the training, relationships, and opportunities that open doors.

Behind every great production are hundreds of skilled professionals whose creativity and expertise bring stories to life. These careers offer opportunities for artistic expression, economic mobility, and professional growth, yet too many young people never discover that these pathways exist.

The Audacity Project was born from the belief that we can change that.

OUR WORK

Opening doors. Building careers. Creating opportunity.

Beginning in Pittsburgh’s East Liberty and Homewood communities, The Audacity Project is developing initiatives designed to expand access to entertainment industry careers while investing in the people and organizations that strengthen our communities.

Our work is guided by four priorities:

Technical Training and Career Pathways

Introducing young people to behind-the-scenes careers in film and television, including cinematography, lighting, sound, set design, production, and post-production, while creating opportunities to develop practical skills and industry experience.

Mentorship and Industry Connections

Connecting emerging talent with experienced entertainment professionals who can offer guidance, share expertise, build relationships, and help open doors to meaningful career opportunities.

Microgrants and Community Investment

Developing microgrant and community grant initiatives to support emerging talent, strengthen local organizations, and invest in the people and programs already making a difference in their communities.

Building a Sustainable Future

Conducting a comprehensive feasibility study to explore the development of a high school-level educational pathway preparing Pittsburgh students for behind-the-scenes careers in film and television. Guided by leaders in education, entertainment, business, and the community, this work will help inform a long-term strategy for developing local talent and strengthening Pittsburgh’s creative economy.

WHY PITTSBURGH?

A city of extraordinary talent. A future of extraordinary possibility.

Pittsburgh has always been a city of creativity, resilience, and reinvention. For Billy Porter, bringing this work home is both personal and purposeful.

By connecting young people with educators, community organizations, industry professionals, and employers, The Audacity Project aims to create lasting pathways from local classrooms and communities to careers in the entertainment industry.

Our goal is not simply to help young people find their way into an industry. It is to help build an industry where more young people belong.

INVEST IN WHAT’S POSSIBLE

The next generation of talent is already here. Let’s make sure opportunity is, too.

Every career begins with an opportunity. A mentor. A chance to learn. A door opened by someone who believes in what’s possible.

Your support will help The Audacity Project build the programs, partnerships, and resources needed to connect young people to opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives.

We invite individuals, foundations, businesses, and entertainment industry partners to join us in creating a more inclusive industry, stronger communities, and a future filled with possibility.

Because when we invest in potential today, we create opportunities for generations to come.

DONATE TO THE AUDACITY PROJECT

About Our Fiscal Sponsor

The Audacity Project is a fund of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, EIN: 95-1644609.

EIF is a Charity Navigator 4-Star Charity that meets all 20 Better Business Bureau charity standards and carries the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency.

Contributions to The Audacity Project through EIF are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.