Office of Cultural Economy's Mid-Year Conference Success & Exciting Super Bowl LIX Opportunities for Local Creatives!

We are thrilled to share the success of the Office of Cultural Economy’s Mid-Year Press Conference held last Friday, where we proudly highlighted significant milestones, accomplishments, and exciting future initiatives. The event brought together leaders, artists, and cultural advocates who are all deeply invested in the growth and vibrancy of New Orleans’ cultural landscape.

One of the key announcements made during the conference was the Call for Expression of Interest issued by the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy. We are inviting New Orleans artists and cultural businesses to participate in official Super Bowl LIX events and activations. This initiative offers an unparalleled opportunity for our local creatives to collaborate with Super Bowl leadership and NFL stakeholders, showcasing their talents on a national stage.

The upcoming Super Bowl LIX promises to be more than just a sporting event—it will be a cultural extravaganza that reflects the heart and soul of New Orleans. We encourage all local artists and cultural businesses to seize this unique chance to be part of history and to represent the rich cultural heritage of our city.

For more information, visit: Call for Expression of Interest

Celebrating Big Freedia’s Key to the City

It is with immense pride and joy that the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy extends our heartfelt congratulations to Big Freedia on being awarded the prestigious Key to the City of New Orleans. This honor is a testament to her remarkable contributions to the music scene and the vibrant culture that makes our city so unique.

As we celebrate this well-deserved recognition, we are reminded of the power of music and culture to unite, inspire, and uplift. Big Freedia’s legacy is woven into the fabric of our city, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.

Please join us in congratulating Big Freedia on this incredible achievement and in celebrating the indelible mark she has made on New Orleans.

Celebrating Cultural Exchange: The Kids in Tourism Ghana Visits New Orleans

We are excited to announce a special visit to City Hall by The Kids in Tourism Ghana, a remarkable non-profit organization that partners with the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture to inspire and engage children through enriching activities. This organization plays a pivotal role in fostering cultural awareness and education through a variety of programs, including educational tours, cultural exchange initiatives, and school field trips.

This visit highlights the profound impact that cultural exchange can have on our communities, bridging gaps and building lasting connections. Together with The Kids in Tourism Ghana, we are celebrating the diversity and vibrant cultural heritage that both New Orleans and Ghana proudly share.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration and strengthening the ties between our communities through these meaningful cultural exchanges

Animal Crossing™: New Horizons Aquarium Tour

From now to Sept.14, the Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans is hosting a special event featuring the world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This limited-time experience offers character sightings, photo opportunities, My Nintendo™ Platinum Points, and more, all included with your aquarium ticket.

Fans of the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game and aquarium visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting features. Participate in a themed Stamp Rally on Aug. 23 & 24, and again on Sept. 7 & 8, where you can collect stamps throughout the aquarium. Capture memories with an aquarium-themed backdrop featuring characters from the game, including a 20-ft wide light wall. During your visit, earn 100 My Nintendo™ Platinum Points at the My Nintendo kiosk, and learn from themed descriptions presented by Blathers at Critter Panels. Themed Animal Crossing merchandise will also be available for purchase at the aquarium gift shop, and you can spot standees of familiar game characters throughout the aquarium near different habitats.

Plan your visit today and dive into the enchanting world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons at the Audubon Aquarium!

For more information, visit: audubonnatureinstitute.org.

Ogden Museum Birthday

On Aug. 23, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art is celebrating its 21st birthday with free admission all day. Visitors are invited to join the festivities and explore the museum's rich collection in honor of this special milestone.

For more information, visit: ogdenmuseum.org.

The Victory Belles Illuminate the Night

The Victory Belles, a signature vocal trio, bring the 1940s to life with classic songs that defined the WWII generation. Audiences can travel back in time with the Belles' rich, three-part harmony, followed by stunning 90-foot tall projections in the state-of-the-art outdoor sound and light show, Expressions of America.

The evening begins with drinks and snacks available for purchase, followed by a premium dinner experience Saturday, Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Higgins Hotel in Kilroy’s Bar & Lounge. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. with a musical pre-show by the Victory Belles, leading into the Expressions of America sound and light show at 8:30 p.m. Ticketholders also receive a 20% discount at Rosie’s on the Roof at The Higgins Hotel before and after the show.

This outdoor experience takes place rain or shine on the Col. Battle Barksdale Parade Ground. WWII veterans and children under 5 receive free admission to the show.

For more information, visit: nw2m.convio.net.

Historical Sleuthing - Unearthing and Interpreting Louisiana History

This event, perfect for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone curious about the past, will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 9:00 a.m. at The Historic New Orleans Collection (Williams Research Center).

Participants will have the opportunity to explore Louisiana's rich history, discover hidden treasures, and learn to interpret historical artifacts with the guidance of experts. The event begins with registration and a light breakfast from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM. A New Orleans-style three-course lunch, prepared by Chefs Eric and Dianne at the New Orleans School of Cooking, is also included.

Speakers include Katy Morlas Shannon, a historian, genealogist, author, and writer from the Preservation Resource Center, who will discuss fact-finding and property research; Jari Christopher Honora, a certified genealogist from The Historic New Orleans Collection, who will cover genealogy research; and Craig Fuchs, an interpreter from The Historic New Orleans Collection, who will delve into portrait reading and material culture. Attendees will also have the chance to tour the Reading Room and learn about researching at the Williams Research Center with Bobby Ticknor, a historian and reference associate at The Historic New Orleans Collection. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to become a historical sleuth and uncover the secrets of Louisiana history!

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

 Mini-Grant Application Assistance

The New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) is pleased to announce that applications for all grant levels will open on Tuesday, Sept. 3. For those planning to apply for a Level 1 Mini-Grant and needing assistance with the application process, appointments with staff members will be available starting Aug. 26. To schedule an appointment, applicants can click the link provided or contact the NOTCF office. Once an appointment is made, a confirmation email with further instructions will be sent. Appointments will be available on Wednesday, September 4th, Thursday, September 5th, and Friday, September 6th.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, clickhere.

Live From the Jazz Museum Balcony Presented by Positive Vibrations Foundation| Street Lyfe

The New Orleans Jazz Museum presents its weekly Balcony Courtyard concert series on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 5:00 p.m. CDT. Bring your blanket! Seats are not provided for outdoor programs. 

In case of inclement weather, this concert will be postponed.  

Enjoy Jazz Music from home with the New Orleans Jazz Museum! Join the Jazz Museum online for their weekly Courtyard Live-Stream Concert Series, in which dynamic musicians perform live from the Jazz Museum’s balcony! Tune in every Tuesday at 5pm on facebook.com/nolajazzmuseum/live to watch for free.

Street Lyfe is from New Orleans, Louisiana. The band formed in 2020 from a collection of musicians. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses R&B, Neo-Soul, old school, Smooth Jazz, and Pop with high quality vocal performance and impeccable instrumentation.

For more information, visit: nolajazzmuseum.org.

Breaking Boundaries: The Art of Hip-Hop with Creative Assembly Member Kr3wcial

Kr3wcial, a member of NOMA’s Creative Assembly Cohort, will present "Breaking Boundaries: The Art of Hip-Hop" on Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. This program includes a screening of the artist’s latest visual work, Carry Me, followed by insights into the creative process. The event will feature a panel discussion moderated by N’Dia Dugue, social media producer at BET Media Group, with Kr3wcial and video directors Dexter Williams and Jovan Hernandez. They will explore hip-hop’s profound cultural impact and its recognition as an enduring art form. "Breaking Boundaries" delves into how hip-hop continues to shape and reflect the world. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit: noma.org.

Paint the Trees: Claiborne Cultural Innovation District Mural Projects Artist Call

Paint the Trees: Claiborne Cultural Innovation District Mural Projects led by Arts New Orleans in partnership with Ujamaa Economic Development Corporation and the City of New Orleans seeks 1-2 artists or artist teams to create brightly colored murals with a focus on the environment, nature, and health and wellness on the columns, girders, and shipping containers on the 400 Block of N. Claiborne Avenue.

Murals should reimagine and honor the lost Live Oak Trees of Claiborne Avenue, highlighting sustainability, the new green infrastructure, and stormwater management implemented in spring 2024 during Claiborne Innovation District Phase 1, Backatown Plaza between St. Louis Street and Orleans Ave. Artists will be required to participate in a community engagement process that will facilitate the design process.

The Paint the Trees Artist Call encompasses two different projects on the 400 Block of N. Claiborne. When applying please select which opportunity you are interested. You can apply for both projects. Deadline to apply is Sept.12 at 4:59 p.m. 

Project 1: Designing and painting murals on the columns and beams

Project 2: Designing and painting murals on four shipping containers

Session #2
Aug. 27 @ 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. CST
Join via Zoom Meeting

For more information, visit: artsneworleans.org.

City of New Orleans 2025 Budget Town Hall

The City of New Orleans today reminded residents of the 2025 Budget Town Hall taking place on Tuesday, Aug. 27. This in-person meeting will be held at the University of New Orleans (UNO) University Center in the Senator Ted Hickey Ballroom (room 203), located at 2000 Alumni Dr. Free parking is available on-site. All residents are encouraged to visit the City Budget Website for more information and to submit questions and comments prior to the meeting.  

The City will host a Resource Fair featuring service departments and local agencies from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. to engage residents and assist with any questions or concerns. The Budget Town Hall will take place from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and will feature a presentation on the City’s 2024 accomplishments and challenges, as well as a question-and-answer session to solicit input from attendees on how to allocate funding for the 2025 fiscal year.

This upcoming meeting will offer residents an opportunity to engage directly with City leadership on the proposed fiscal plans for the upcoming year. This meeting with be live streamed on the City’s website and social media platforms and recorded and posted on the City's YouTube channel. It will also run on the Government Access Channel for additional public access.

Culture Collision # 14

On Aug. 28, Culture Collision #14 will bring together 54 arts and culture organizations at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center (JPAC) in Metairie. This event, held from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., promises an evening filled with pop-up performances, networking opportunities, and valuable information about the upcoming cultural season. Attendees can visit each organization's table to explore schedules, giveaways, volunteer opportunities, and more.

In addition to the cultural offerings, food trucks will be stationed outside in the JPAC parking lot from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., featuring Cayenne Specialties, Couzan's BBQ, and SnoBall Express. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase indoors at the JPAC concession bar, operated by Messina's Catering.

This free event is open to the public and is known as the New Orleans area's biggest arts and culture happy hour. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant local arts scene while enjoying good company.

For more information, visit: culturenola.com.

S&WB Update from Steven Nelson

The upcoming professional development session will offer an exploration of the latest developments in Sewerage and Water Board (S&WB) infrastructure. Attendees will gain insights into significant updates and forward-looking plans, with a focus on drainage improvements, innovative funding strategies, and the latest technological upgrades. The session will also cover the city’s collaborative efforts to enhance infrastructure resilience and efficiency, which are essential for professionals involved in public works, urban planning, and infrastructure management. The update will be presented by Steve Nelson, General Superintendent, on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

For more information or to reserve a spot, click here.

Extended Deadline for Supernova Visual Artists & Musicians

Friends of Lafitte Greenway, in partnership with the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD), is extending the deadline for submissions to the 5th Supernova exhibit to September 15. Musicians, musical acts, artists, artist teams, and designers are invited to submit proposals for this free annual light-based public art exhibit and music event, which will take place from December 11-14, 2024, at the Greenway Plaza and Station.

Supernova is designed to inspire and spark joy for the New Orleans community, support the growth of emerging visual and performing artists, and strengthen the Lafitte Greenway’s community. The exhibit will be displayed at the Greenway Plaza and Station, located where the Greenway meets Bayou St. John at 500 N. Norman C. Francis Parkway.

This application offers emerging musicians and artists a chance to perform and showcase their work at a large public community event. If you’re an aspiring musician or artist, this could be your opportunity to shine! Supernova will be held from December 11-14, so please ensure your band or team is available on those dates before applying. The new deadline to apply is Sept. 15.

For more information or to apply, visit: lafittegreenway.org.

NCA Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Art Exhibition: A TIME TO BREAK SILENCE

The 2025 National Conference of Artists (NCA) Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Art Exhibition is a celebration of the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Civil Rights Movement, and the ongoing efforts to promote peace and human understanding. Through this exhibition, the arts serve as a platform to honor individuals worldwide who tirelessly fight for peace, justice, and responsible environmental cohabitation.

The exhibition will be hosted at three locations in New Orleans: Ashé Cultural Arts Center, THE BUILDING Art Venue, and Stella Jones Gallery. Key dates for the event are as follows: the application entry deadline is Sept. 30, with artist acceptance notifications being sent out by Oct. 15. The opening reception and award announcement will take place on Jan.14, 2025, and the exhibition will run until Feb. 28, 2025.

Eligibility requirements include the following: applications will only be accepted through Online Juried Shows, and applicants must be 18 years of age or older. The artwork should convey the exhibition theme, "A Time to Break Silence," and must have been created within the last five years. Art dimensions must be greater than 12 inches on any side and no more than 48 inches wide. Only original artwork will be accepted; no reproductions or republished work will be considered. Additionally, the artist or a designated representative is responsible for installing any three-dimensional artwork weighing more than 30 pounds. The galleries reserve the right to exclude any artwork deemed unsuitable for display.

For more information, visit: onlinejuriedshows.com.

West Bank Heritage Festival Seeking Vendors

Join the inaugural West Bank Hispanic Heritage Festival, a celebration of Hispanic and Latino cultures! Hosted by the University of Holy Cross and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, this family-friendly event will feature music, dance, food, and art from local talents.

The festival will be held on Oct. 12, from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the University of Holy Cross, 4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131. Admission is free.

Vendor spaces are available for $100, and food truck spaces for $250. For vendor inquiries, contact Stephanie Davi McNeely at svmcneely2020@gmail.com.

For more information or to submit an application, click here.