The Helis Foundation John Scott Center Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting 

The Helis Foundation John Scott Center opened its doors to the public on Saturday, Sept. 10. A celebration of the late artist took place along the front of Turners' Hall on Lafayette St. with live music, snowballs, tours of the gallery, outdoor art activities for children, and more.

The center presents expansive ideas of heritage and symbolism interpreted through the lens of artist, educator, and humanist John T. Scott's life, art, and legacy while promoting opportunities that nurture connections, enhance human potential, and drive social change.

John Scott was born and raised in New Orleans' Ninth Ward. The artist attended Xavier University, then continued his education in the Arts by earning a masters in fine arts at Michigan State University where he studied with abstract painter Charles Pollock, the eldest brother of artist Jackson Pollock. Upon completing his education, Scott returned to his hometown to teach at his alma mater, Xavier. His artwork was inspired heavily by New Orleans, specifically its rich African-Caribbean culture and musical heritage. His sculptures were inspired by a variety of cultures, ranging from West African instruments to the movements of nineteenth-century slave dances in New Orleans' Congo Square. 

For more information regarding The Helis Foundation John Scott Center, visit the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities website at  www.leh.org.

Hispanic Heritage Month at The New Orleans Jazz Museum

Each Friday, during Hispanic Heritage Month, Thursday, Sept. 15 – Saturday, Oct. 15, the New Orleans Jazz Museum will highlight Hispanic musicians from around the region for a 2 p.m. showcase in the third floor performance center. 

Kicking off Hispanic Heritage Month's performances is Fermin Ceballos & the Merengue4-Four on Friday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. All performances will be held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, located at 400 Esplanade Ave. 

For more information, visit nolajazzmuseum.org.

French Market Hosts Inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

The French Market, in partnership with Ecos Latinos, hosts the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. The celebration begins on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Guests can enjoy curated food booths, family activities, and Hispanic & Latino cultural programming in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Five countries will be represented throughout the celebration: Guatemala, Brazil, Cuba, Honduras, and Dominican Republic.

The full music lineup and list of food vendors that will be present can be found at frenchmarket.org.

Support One Book One New Orleans Next Week

One Book One New Orleans is celebrating National Adult Education and Family Literacy Week AND National Banned Book week from Sunday, Sept. 18 – Saturday, Sept. 24. 

To celebrate, OBONO has partnered with Kendra Scott to benefit teens impacted by the justice system. Anyone who brings in books geared towards ages 11-17 to Kendra Scott located at 5757 Magazine St. during regular business hours will receive 20% off their in-store purchase! 

Additionally, OBONO will be hosting a panel of educators to discuss why the voices that banned books take away matter. A community book giveaway will conclude the week's ceremonies. 

For more information on Kendra Scott deals, to register for Silenced in the Classroom: Banning Books in New Orleans, or the Community Book Giveaway visit One Book One New Orleans' Facebook page.

National Dance Day Dance Mob Celebration

Celebrate National Dance Day by heading to Crescent City Park on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and learning choreography to participate in a dance mob!

This experience will be filmed, so dance studios and Krewes are encouraged to wear their gear! Unable to attend in person? Submit a video performing the National Dance Day choreography to be featured on the New Orleans Dance Network Social Media Outlets! 

Watch and learn the National Dance Day choreography here!

Hurricane Preparedness Lecture by NOLA Ready

Join BK House on Monday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m. for a Hurricane Preparedness Lecture to give you all the information you need to stay informed and be prepared in case of an emergency. 

The lecture is free and open to the public, and takes place at BK House, located at 1113 Chartres St. 

For more information or to confirm your attendance, view the event's Facebook page.

Culture Collision 

WWNO 89.9 FM and Jefferson Performing Arts Society are partnering to bring back Culture Collision! The event takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 21, from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. 

Culture Collision is an annual showcase for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. This event showcases the diversity of the region's creative community.

The event is free and open to the public. Culture Collision will take place at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, located at 6400 Airline Dr. in Metairie.

For more information, visit Culture Collision's website at www.culturenola.com.

River Road African American Museum Hosts The Black Magic Show

Did you know there is STEM in magic? 

The River Road African American Museum is celebrating its 28th anniversary by hosting Ran'D Shine, a magician who will thrill and teach gusts about the history of African American magicians. 

The show takes place on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at The Building, located at 1427 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. 

For more information or to buy tickets, stop by River Road African American Museum's website at africanamericanmuseum.org.

Join The Historic New Orleans Collection for Three Free Educator Workshops

Throughout the next three months, The Historic New Orleans Collection is hosting three workshops for teachers of all grade levels. 

The first workshop takes place on Saturday, Sept. 24, from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., and features Sarah Duggan offering a presentation of American history through materials used throughout history. From fancy furniture to well-worn tools, objects from the past can hold an array of meanings. The workshop takes place at 410 Chartres Street. 

Admission is free, but registration is required to attend. To register for this workshop or view the workshop schedule for the rest of the year, visit The Historic New Orleans Collection's website at hnoc.org.

Opening of SoFAB Research Center

In partnership with Nunez Community College in St. Bernard Parish, the Southern Food & Beverage Museum is opening a combined research center on Nunez's campus. 

The opening of the SoFAB Research Center takes place on Thursday, Oct. 6, from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. in the lobby of Nunez Community College. 

The research center will offer a full-service culinary research center that will be animated by Nunez's culinary programming. The center will be utilized by students, researchers, and interested members of the community throughout the Gulf South. 

To learn more about the opening or the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, visit southernfood.org. 

Save the Date: 9th Annual LUNA Fête & Inaugural Luna Ball 

Join Arts New Orleans for the 9th annual LUNA Fête from Thursday, Dec. 15 – Sunday, Dec. 18, from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. nightly at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Pedestrian Park. 

The festival will feature light art, projection mapping, food, music, and more! This year's LUNA Fête will celebrate New Orleans' innovative history of costumery and creativity, so costumes and light up fashion are encouraged!

For more information on Luna Fête, visit www.lunafete.com, and sign up for the Arts New Orleans newsletter at www.artsneworleans.org to receive updates.

Arts New Orleans' Inaugural LUNA Ball Tickets Now on Sale

Come get lit in your best light up fashion at Arts New Orleans' inaugural fundraising event, The LUNA Ball, on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The LUNA Ball is a glowing oasis within the LUNA Fête festival grounds where guests will enjoy drinks, food, entertainment, and exclusive artwork.

Visit artsneworleans.networkforgood.com to purchase tickets. Early bird tickets will be on sale until Monday, Oct. 31. For additional questions, contact Development Director Brianna Carr at brianna@artsneworleans.org.

Film New Orleans

Film New Orleans is the official permitting agency for filming in the city. If you plan to film in Orleans Parish, please go to www.filmneworleans.org to learn more and to submit an application. 

If you’re interested in working on film productions as a crew member, Film New Orleans in partnership with IATSE 478 sponsors Workforce Training Programs with NOVAC. Head to novacvideo.org to sign up for remote lectures, seminars, and workshops dedicated to teaching the art of filmmaking.