MISSION
The Artisan Alliance empowers youth ages 14–24 by providing hands-on professional experiences in theatre, film, and visual arts. Our mission is to nurture young artists by equipping them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to develop their craft, whether through performing, designing, or creating. By fostering collaboration and creativity, The Artisan Alliance helps young adults enrich their communities and contribute to the local arts economy in New Orleans and surrounding areas.
Through partnerships with industry professionals, The Artisan Alliance offers paid opportunities and career development, preparing students for futures in the arts while showcasing their talents through innovative performances, functional set designs, and themed crafts.
Our summer program introduces youth ages 7–14 to the interdisciplinary arts, providing a foundation in both performance and visual aesthetics while building social and collaborative skills. By supporting multidisciplines, The Artisan Alliance prepares students with the diverse creative tools and practical skills they need to thrive in today’s ever-changing economy—because in a world where flexibility is key, being multi-talented isn’t just an advantage, it’s essential.
Bianca Siplin is an award-winning filmmaker, director, and educator based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Passionate about amplifying the voices of women of color, she is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists through storytelling, mentorship, and artistic development.
As the founder and Executive Director of The Artisan Alliance, Bianca leads an organization committed to cultivating young artists in film, theatre, and visual arts. She is also the CEO of Inner Phoenix Productions, a company that creates and produces stories centered on the experiences of Black women.
With a dynamic career spanning both stage and screen, Bianca has directed numerous plays and films, seamlessly bridging the worlds of theatre and cinema. Her short films include We Must Save Our Schools, The Trilateral Effect, and Flora’s Spell. Her extensive directing credits in theatre feature beloved productions such as The Little Mermaid, Alice in Wonderland, Bah Humbug, The Wizard of Oz, and Annie Jr.
Driven by the belief that “there are no rules to a creative experience—you have to experiment,” Bianca continues to push artistic boundaries, empowering storytellers and transforming narratives that reflect the richness of diverse voices.
Bianca Siplin
Founding Executive Director