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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 2, 2026
New Orleans City Council and Arts New Orleans Unveil Council Chamber Art Commissions
NEW ORLEANS, LA — On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the New Orleans City Council, in partnership with Arts New Orleans, unveiled the Voices of the People art commission within the City Council Chambers at City Hall.
 The collection includes:
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The Fabric of Our Neighborhood: A Community Quilt by Sean G. Clark (District A)
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Roots Standing Upright: Grounded in Labor, Lifted by Legacy by Teneille Prosper (District B)
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Justice, Faith, and Power by Alina Allen (District C)
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Reverence by Langston Allston (District D)
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Along the Way by Hozé Da'Ra (District E)
The artwork was installed on the back wall of the Council Chambers. These artworks bring New Orleans' cultural landscape to life, honoring the diverse voices, stories, and lived experiences that shape communities across all five districts.
"I am thrilled to have these five fantastic pieces of art in Council Chambers for the public to view and enjoy," said Council President JP Morrell. "These pieces represent the spirit and tenacity within each Council District, and I look forward to viewing them for many years to come."
"One of the many things that makes New Orleans special is that our story is told through our music, culture, neighborhoods, traditions, and art. These new works, representing each of our five Council districts, bring those stories into the heart of City Hall and help ensure our civic spaces reflect the people and communities they serve," said Council Vice President Matthew Willard. "I want to thank these exceptional artists for sharing their talent and vision with our city. Their work will spark conversation, celebrate the unique character of our communities, and help make Council chambers a place where every resident feels seen, welcomed, and represented."
"We are fortunate to call this vibrant city our home, and part of what makes New Orleans so vibrant is access to public art in civic spaces. District A is lucky enough to have two pieces hanging in Chambers today by artist Sean Clark," said District A Councilmember Aimee McCarron. "I am truly honored Sean chose the art market at Marsalis Harmony Park and the Twelfth Night celebration along Oak Street as inspiration, boasting the dynamic, historic public spaces that make District A special. Sean's commitment to collecting pieces of fabric from all over the district for these pieces only adds to their value. These pieces are true reflections of the Fabric of Our Neighborhood."
"Teneille Prosper is a product of our city through and through. Her work is a perfect example of how transformative it is when a community's story is told through art," said District B Councilmember Lesli Harris. "Roots Standing Upright captures the soul of District B; our labor, our legacy, and our unwavering resilience. I am honored that this work will now welcome every resident and every visitor who visits council chambers."
"We are honored to have Alina Allen's artwork represent District C in the New Orleans City Council Chamber. Ms. Allen shared how programs like NORD and cultural venues such as the Municipal Auditorium helped foster her love of the arts as a young person growing up in New Orleans," said District C Councilmember Freddie King III. "Her painting beautifully reflects the character and diversity of both the East and West Banks, capturing the spirit of the communities that make District C unique. We are proud to showcase her work and celebrate the impact that access to the arts can have on future generations."
"The unveiling of Voices of the People is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent that exists right here in New Orleans and to ensure that the public spaces where important decisions are made also reflect the culture, history, and creativity of our communities. These works will be enjoyed by everyone who occupies that space for years to come," said District D Councilmember Eugene Green. "I am especially proud to see District D represented by the nationally recognized artist Langston Allston, who is a resident of the 7th Ward. His commitment to portraying communities with honesty, compassion, and reverence makes him an outstanding representative and a fitting contributor to this historic public art installation."
"Along the Way by artist Hozé Da'Ra is a beautiful work featuring the historic Lower Ninth Ward, Plaza Mall, and Lincoln Beach," said District E Councilmember Jason Hughes. "The artwork highlights the rich history, culture, and resilience that make District E a special place to live, work, and grow."
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Contact:
CouncilCommunications@nola.gov
504.658.1117
 New Orleans City Council
The New Orleans City Council is the legislative branch of the New Orleans city government. The Council considers and enacts all local laws that govern the City of New Orleans. The Council also approves the operating and capital budgets for the City, as recommended by the mayor, and continually monitors revenues and expenditures for local government operations. The City Council is also the regulatory body for public utilities. It also reviews and has the final say on many land use and zoning matters, as well as considers major economic development projects for the City. As a Board of Review for Orleans Parish, the Council examines appeals of property tax assessments for real estate taxes and certifies tax rolls to the Louisiana Tax Commission. Other responsibilities of the Council include overseeing the operation of the public access television in Orleans Parish. Streaming video and video archives of the City Council's Regular and Committee meetings can be found on the City Council website.
The City Council is comprised of five districts and Councilmembers-at-large: Council President and Councilmember-at-Large JP Morrell; Council Vice President and Councilmember-At-Large Matthew Willard; District "A" Councilmember Aimee McCarron; District "B" Councilmember Lesli D. Harris; District "C" Councilmember Freddie King III; District "D" Councilmember Eugene J. Green, Jr.; and District "E" Councilmember Jason Hughes.
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