The Flea has announced a new leadership model, and a series of community building projects that will go into effect throughout the year. Funded by a $1.2 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, the company will now implement a shared leadership structure with resident theatre makers over a 36-month span.

Said Niegel Smith, the artistic director of The Flea: “This is an incredible investment in our organization and points to the deep work we've done over the last two years to center Black, brown, and queer artists and their communities and audiences. We are grateful to Emil Kang, program director for Arts and Culture, and Isabel Quinzaños Alonso, program associate, for being fierce advocates and unwavering partners during this process. This investment will stabilize our operations and afford us the time and resources to grow a unique operational model that embodies our mission and values."

The Flea was refounded in 2021 to support Black, brown, and queer artists through a series of connected residencies, commissions, and community programs. The Mellon Grant will ensure Flea's ability to expand these efforts through a series of to be announced community building projects.

For more information, visit TheFlea.org.