News and Musing on the Arts in New Orleans

Headline of the Day

2009-03-26T15:22:00.001-07:00

Great headline from Humid City on the arts funding drama.

Arts Advocacy Tool Kit

2009-03-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

With the latest Division of the Arts cuts, it seems like a good time to re-post the Fundamentals of Arts Advocacy Powerpoint from Americans for the Arts. Download it here.

Louisiana Arts Funding Cuts

2009-03-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Time to rev up the emails, faxes, pitchforks...

The Decentralized Arts Funding Program grants dollars have basically been zeroed out by the Governor along with a significant cut in Statewide Arts Grants in the 2009/2010 state budget. The Arts Council of New Orleans administers the Decentralized Arts Grants in this region and the Louisiana Division of the Arts administers Statewide Arts Grants.
The House Appropriations Committee will be meeting next week and we need to deluge them with emails, faxes and phone calls urging them to reinstate the grants dollars. Please go to the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts’ website, www.lparts.org, type in your zip code in the "Write Your Legislator" box at the lower left hand corner.

Copyright Webinar

2009-03-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

The Arts Council boldly plunges into online programming with our first Webinar, a primer on Copyright on April 1. It's free to anyone with a fast intenet connection. Here are the details:

The Arts Council presents its first online webinar! Join ELLA Project Co-Founder and Supervising Attorney Ashlye Keaton as she discusses the importance of copyright registration, remedies for infringement, and a tutorial on the Copyright offices new eCo online filing system.

This webinar will go live at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1. Participants need a Flash enabled computer, speakers, and a high speed connection. Participants will be able to interact through flash polls, live chat, and submit their questions to be answered in real time. If you can't join us on April 1, the whole presentation, including audio, will be available for free streaming on demand from the Arts Council's website.

To join this webinar, please email Gene Meneray for the link to the meeting room, and an overview of the webinar.

This workshop is funded with support from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, and the Joan Mitchell Foundation

Le Petit

2009-03-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

Not good.

Colton

2009-03-10T09:08:00.000-07:00

Nice T-P article on Colton School, with appearances by Arts Council friends David Weinberg, Angelamia Bachemin, and others. Hopefully they can work something out with the RSD and keep it operating in it's current state. The location is ideal, and with a little (okay, a lot) of capital improvements, it could be a real catalyst for cultural development.

Tax Credit Fun

2009-03-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

Good to see the Governor looking to extend the tax credits. We know they can be pricey, but the film tax credit has been great, and we're starting to see some permanent infrastructure come into place. Also, we still think that if the music credits can reach their potential, we'll see significant industry development.

One Mo Time

2009-03-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

The Arts Council database contains over 400 painters in the metro area. If we updated our database better, that number would be much higher. Now, from all accounts, James Michalopoulos is a great guy, long time supporter of the Arts Council, top notch painter, and we do love us some New Orleans Rum, so please don't think we're picking on the artist. But, with all the great artists here, did we need the 5th Michalopoulos JF poster in the last 11 years?

Sharks patrol these waters

2009-03-05T08:25:00.000-08:00

Another reminder from USA Today of how bad it is (and could get) for performing arts orgs. We knew when NBA teams were worried about ticket sales next year that the Symphony, Opera, and Ballet would be next.

Also in the article, the usual suspects again state that supporting the arts doesn't support the economy. In 2007, the non-profit arts supported 3742 full time jobs. This doesn't include art galleries, music clubs, or for profit festivals, just the non-profit arts. The stimulus to the NEA will secure these jobs, and as anyone who works in this business will tell you, it's just about the most middle class industry out there, on par with teachers and cops as far as salaries and community benefit. These people need our support.

New Economic Impact Study

2009-03-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

Large new study on the effectiveness and economic impace of the state tax credits for film, music, and video games. Here are our quick takeaways:

Over $600 million in direct economic impact from the film tax credits, but at a $100 million cost.
The Sound recording credit is vastly underused, with only 19 projects taking advantage of the credit in 2007. Why? Too cumbersome? Musicians being musicians?
Regardless, that same 6 to 1 benefit holds for both the film and music tax credits, it's just on a much smaller scale for music.
Despite the reputation as musical hotbed, La is ranked #32 for location quotient for the music industry.

Now for some errata:

CD sales were still 82% of all music sales in 2007. Digital downloads were 11%.
Average Jimmy Buffett ticket price is $136!!! Good god.
Buffett grossed more than $35 million touring in 2007.

Anyway, worth a read if you have a few spare hours and plenty of paper.

Carol Hallock Video

2009-03-03T14:28:00.001-08:00

Arts Council member and Arts Market of New Orleans artist Carol Hallock has a great new YouTube video showing her painting style. Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUCqPc39Omw

28th time as farce

2009-03-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

The drama continues. The main problem with the Square is that there is no entity who manages the art colony. Why the Department of Finance is charged with managing the artist squabbles is beyond me. They don't ask the Arts Council to collect sales tax. Now, I'm not saying the Arts Council wants to manage the square, but if New Orleans ever wants the art colony to thrive, or even survive, someone needs to be put in charge.

NEA Funding

2009-02-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

From our reading of this PDF posted by Talking Points Memo, the $50,000,000 for the NEA made it into the conference bill. Nothing firm yet, but we're cautiously optimistic.

However, this site, which has done some actual reporting, says no.

UPDATE: In there!

Good news from across the lake, crickets chirping on Perdido St.

2009-02-11T08:26:00.000-08:00

In more upbeat news, see this letter from St. Tammany Parish Kevin Davis in support of arts funding in the stimulus. Here's what we found on the position of the Mayor of New Orleans on this important issue.

We've got hurt feelings, we've got hurt feelings

2009-02-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

When the powers that be make a show of pulling $50 million out of an $800 billion (with a b) stimulus bill, and the US Senate passes an amendment specifically banning funding going to many of the groups we advocate for, it's a little hard not to feel a little insulted. On top of that, news from the great plains that South Dakota is looking to cut the entire state arts council. The NEA money in the stimulus bill would have made a major difference, as SD could have still cut the budget (not eliminate it, but cut it), and NEA stimulus funds could make up the rest. Now, without that carrot, the State could kill the whole arts council.

What opponents don't understand is that NEA funds don't go to SoHo galleries, but go to places like South Dakota so kids can have arts in the schools. For the average busy person not to know where NEA funds go is understandable. For a member of Congress not to understand it is pretty damn depressing.

Arts Funding in the Stimulus

2009-02-10T14:37:00.001-08:00

Copying and pasting directly from Americans from the Arts because it's important...

The Senate passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act with a vote of 61 to 37 today. As the bill heads to Congressional conference, $50 million in recovery funds to be distributed by the National Endowment for the Arts hang in the balance. Americans for the Arts President and CEO Robert Lynch said:"The United States Senate missed an opportunity today to provide much needed stimulus support to the nation’s creative workforce. By not including $50 million in recovery funds to assist nonprofit arts organizations from closing or laying-off more workers, the Senate has failed to respond to the very real economic crisis facing the nonprofit arts industry .... As the bill heads to conference, Congressional leaders and the White House need to recognize that the arts are a legitimate U.S. economic industry and must keep the arts recovery funds in the final version of the legislation. These funds will allow arts organizations—large and small—to play a vital role in reviving their local economy."Arts advocates are urged to take action by contacting their member of Congress and writing to their local media. Visit the online Arts Action Center to make your voice heard. Also, advertisements from Americans for the Arts with the title "The Arts = Jobs" are running Washington's top political newspapers—Roll Call, Politico, and The Hill—this week. Click here to view the ads.

Doug MacCash video on Shannon Landis Hanen's Still Standing

2009-02-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

Great video from Doug MacCassh on "Still Standing", an Art in Public Places piece from the Arts Council and the Joan Mitchell Foundation

Still Standing, a public sculpture by New Orleans artist Shannon Landis Hansen

February 10, Artist Opportunities

2009-02-10T09:50:00.001-08:00

Here's a link to the February 10th e-bulletin. Don't forget you can sign up to receive these bulletins for free at www.artscouncilofneworleans.org

February 2 2009 Artist Ops

2009-02-04T11:56:00.001-08:00

If you missed the latest artist opportunities bulletin, here's a link.

Le Deluge

2009-02-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

NOLA ain't NYC, and we're holding up pretty well down here right now, but here's a perspective on the financial crisis and how it could affect NYC galleries. Quick re-cap: 10% of galleries in NYC could close, and sales at Art Basel "lackluster at best.". Reason to hope: sales haven't tanked, and there's still so much money floating around NYC and the US as a whole that even if the obscenely rich turn into the super rich, well, they're still super rich.

Prospect 1 finances

2009-02-03T14:05:00.000-08:00

A lot of questions that have been on everyone's mind answered in this Gambit Article. Hopefully, Prospect 2 does make it on the scene. I can't think of anyone who would mind paying $10 or more for a card. With 70,000 attendees, that's at least $700,000 right there. It was a great show, and we hope they can keep it coming for a long time.

The Arts & Economic Stimulus

2009-01-29T11:15:00.001-08:00

We're cutting and pasting from an NEA Press Release because it's important.

There has been much public conversation recently regarding the role of the arts and culture industry in economic stimulus. Following is information that seeks to clarify this issue through two key points: that the arts and culture industry is a sector of the economy just like any other with workers who pay taxes, mortgages, rent and contribute in other ways to the economy; and that the National Endowment for the Arts is uniquely positioned to assist in job stimulation for that industry.

Here are three quick hits that show the seriousness of the need

The Los Angeles Opera said today that it had laid off 17 employees, or approximately 17% of its staff. It has also mandated a pay cut for all employees, averaging 6% but with higher-paid staffers taking an 8% cut. (source Los Angeles Times, 1/27/09)
The Milwaukee Shakespeare Theater Company, a high profile regional nonprofit theater closed down operations in October. (source: report from the field)
The Seattle Art Museum has cut back five percent of its staff and is facing a $3.8 million annual shortfall if it can't find a new tenant for the space Washington Mutual had been leasing from it. (source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer , 1/25/09)

Click here for the full release

Patrice Walker Powell acting NEA Chairman

2009-01-29T10:59:00.000-08:00

Friend of the Arts Council, and big supporter of NOLA Culture Patrice Walker Powell has been named acting Chairman of the NEA. This is great news for the city, and, if you indulge a personal note, my the first time someone we took to lunch at Cafe Reconcile has been named to such a high flying job. Congratulations to Patrice!

NY Times on Arts Funding

2009-01-26T09:57:00.000-08:00

Good NY Times article on arts and NEA funding in the current stimulus bill, and informed speculation on who will be the next NEA Chair. Article says that Chicago lawyer Michael Dorf appears to be the front runner. Mr. Dorf served as an arts policy advisor to Obama during the campaign, and has worked for the transition office. Also speculation that Wynton Marsalis could be up for the post, though we think it's the Obama M.O. to go for a policy wonk rather than acelebrity.

Can we just say how lovely it is that the campaign actually had an arts policy advisor? Bear in mind that GW Bush appointed country singer Lee "God Bless the USA" Greenwood to the National Council on the Arts. (We're not kidding.)

The fog is lifting!

January 20 Artist Opportunities

2009-01-22T14:32:00.001-08:00

You can view the 01.20.09 Artist Opportunities bulletin here: If you want to receive via email, go to www.artscouncilofneworleans.org and see the Sign Up for Email News box.

Arts Policy Recommendations

2009-01-14T11:17:00.000-08:00

Americans for the Arts has created a short, multi-point platform they have submitted to the Obama Transition team on how to include arts and culture in our economic recovery. Good stuff! Check it out here. Should you agree that this is, indeed, good stuff, please share your feelings with your representative.

UPDATE: Initial package released by the House does contain an additional $50 million infusion to the NEA. It's a start!

Arts Council is Hiring

2009-01-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

Deadline: January 30, 2009.

The Arts Council of New Orleans seeks a fulltime Marketing Assistant to support marketing and communication activities to advance the objectives of the agency. Ideal candidate should possess excellent copywriting, proofreading and communications skills. Candidates should be familiar with AP style, have a strong grasp of grammar and be familiar with online content management systems. Experience with Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite (PhotoShop, InDesign) required; also basic HTML, Google Docs, web-design and internet/new media savvy helpful.

Send resume and references to mcosta@artscouncilofneworleans.org or

Mary Len Costa
Interim President and CEO
Arts Council of New Orleans
818 Howard Avenue Suite 300
New Orleans, LA 70113.

Mahalia Jackson Theatre

2009-01-06T13:29:00.000-08:00

Great to have her back. Also, Kudos to the Ballet, Opera, LPO and Tulane for keeping the performing arts alive while Nero fiddled and the theatre sat and molded. It would have been easy for all those involved to just throw up their hands and say they couldn't perform without a venue, or for Tulane to reserve McAlister and Dixon Hall for their own selves, but they kept it alive. Even the Katrina bureucracy can't kill the arts.

Internet Video Production Workshop

2009-01-06T11:46:00.000-08:00

On January 28th, the Arts Council will be offering a free workshop on Internet Video Production, presented by Tim Ryan. Details here: Should be really interesting and fun. Hope you can join us. Here's the quick info:

Internet Video Production
Wednesday, January 28th at 6:00 p.m.
Tulane University Jones Hall, Room 306
6801 Freret St in New Orleans
Free!

Still Waiting for the Recession

2009-01-05T14:59:00.000-08:00

They say we're behind the times down here, but this time it's a good thing.

Thomas Mann and Hillary

2008-12-29T09:42:00.000-08:00

New Orleans icon and Friend of the Arts Council Thomas Mann scored a nice commission this year, creating holiday gifts for Hillary Clinton. Full story here. Nice job, Tom!

The other thing to note, is though Tom has been in NOLA forever, he came here from PA one year to do Jazz Fest and stayed. We talk about the changes in technology allowing artists to live anywhere, (hopefully here!), but it's important to remember that Tom came here in the 1970's, and made a go of it. New Orleans has been a haven for artists since shortly after Bienville landed, and Tom's just one example.

Local Company Made Good

2008-12-16T10:37:00.001-08:00

New Digital Media Group, headed by Tim Ryan and friend of the Arts Council, has been tapped to create a national commercial for Google. Very exciting, and another example of how you can be based in New Orleans and work from anywhere. With no real traffic, relatively cheap rents, mild winters, and 24 hour bars with killer music, NOLA's pretty nice when you can grab a job for the Googles of the world.

St Claude Ave Art Scene

2008-12-15T14:41:00.000-08:00

Unlike the other raving reviews, this article focuses on P1 as re-developing the city, esp St. Claude Ave, obviously a big thing for this (now back in action) blog! We really are watching something impressive happen with St. Claude Ave. All this new action makes me wonder if this was what it was like in the late 1970's for those people involved with developing the CAC and Julia St.

It should be fun to be a part of. We all know that St. Claude's the future of contemporary art in NOLA. The foot traffic on the ave since P1 opened is dramatic, and assuming Colton keeps rolling, it should have long term benefits.

Big List meeting October 16th

2008-10-09T12:01:00.001-07:00

A service of the Arts Council, The New Orleans Arts & Culture Big List is a combined, multi-level database of mailing lists compiled from participating local arts and culture organizations. In 2008, nineteen organizations combined to create the list, resulting in over 35,000 unique addresses for area arts patrons.
On October 16th all current Big List partners, and any arts based non profits who are interested in becoming a part of the 2009 Big List are invited to a meeting at 2:00 p.m. at the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, 938 Lafayette St in New Orleans.

For more information on the Big List, please visit http://www.artscouncilofneworleans.org/index.php?topic=abp.biglist.

Crescent City Art Project Needs Volunteers

2008-10-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

Local non profit and Arts Business Program client the Crescent City Art Project is looking for volunteers for their massive (and I do mean massive) mural project on October 29th. Here's the complete story.

Ze Daluz on film

2008-10-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

Bayou Boogaloo artist Ze Daluz describes her craft on the grounds in Norfolk.

Donald Camp Exhibition

2008-09-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

Top notch photographer, and friend of the Arts Council Donald Camp has a show of dynamic portraits of New Orleanians opening at the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts. Donald visited with us last year in preparation for this show, and we're thrilled to see it come about. If you happen to find yourself in his nieghborhood, check it out!

Louisiana Music in London

2008-09-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

In collaboration with the Saints-Chargers game in London there's going to be quite a concert of Louisiana music at London's fancy 02 arena October 24-25. the concert is free, and Department of Cultural, Recreation & Tourism is a major sponsor. We love it! Check out the line-up here.

New Post Production Facility in the Quarter

2008-09-11T09:58:00.001-07:00

An intriguing and gothic old mansion on Esplanade Ave is coming back as a post-production facility of Seven Arts Pictures. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Presidential Candidates on the Arts

2008-09-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

As we enter the home stretch on the presidential campaign, it's a good time to see where the two candidates stand on the arts. Here's a link to Barack Obama's arts policies. Highlights include easing the visa policies for touring artists, supporting the fair market value tax deduction for artists donating their work, and a new (to me) idea of creating an "Artist Corps" of young artists trained to work in low-income schools and their communities.

I'd link to John McCain's Arts Policies, but, it doesn't appear he has one. Nothing is posted on his site, nor in the 2008 Repulican Party platform.

Sponsorship Workshop September 24th

2008-09-10T15:09:00.000-07:00

Everyone needs corporate sponsors, right? Well, Arts Council is doing a workshop on September 9th with Alice Zimet, who spent 20 years at Chase Manhattan before starting her own firm, and is basically a stone cold sponsorship expert. All non-profit folks should definitely attend. Here's the link for more info.

NOLA Art Scene Recovers

2008-08-18T10:50:00.000-07:00

Nice in depth article from the Houston Chronicle on the recovery of the New Orleans art scene. Always good to see the perspectives of people not inside the city.

Jackson Browne, John McCain, and Copyright

2008-08-14T15:05:00.000-07:00

People ask us if you really have to worry about copyight infringement lawsuits. And the answer is, yes you do.

Creole Wild West

2008-08-14T13:33:00.000-07:00

The Creole Wild West presentation from May at LEH is up on youtube. Congrats to Ashlye, Brian, Bertrand, Howard, and rest of the baddest Indian gang in town.

Sculpture for New Orleans

2008-08-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

Check out this video from nola.com with Michael Manjarris providing a tour of the pieces installed in the Sculpture for New Orleans project. Good stuff, and they promise more to come!

St. Claude Ave

2008-07-17T09:13:00.000-07:00

See this from Lolis Eric Elie on St. Claude Ave and the tipping point. If it does tip, the arts will have played a (the?) major role.

Arts Biz by the lake

2008-07-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

I'll be presenting at the Business of Art summit in Lake Charles this Saturday, July 19th. The session we held in May was good fun. Here's the registration form if you're interested.

Nationally Acclaimed Acting Coach, John Homa to Present Actor’s Workshop

2008-07-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

John Homa, the acclaimed acting coach who has been instrumental in the successful careers of Kirsten Dunst, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Brian Pressley, and many others will be presenting a hands-on actors’ workshop Sunday, July 13th from 10:00 to 4:00 p.m. at University of New Orleans’ Thrust Theatre (in the Performing Arts Center). This workshop is a production of AFTRA, the Arts Council of New Orleans, and Actor's Point of View.

Attendees will spend time with John Homa and obtain a thorough understanding of:
· What acting is
· How to break down a scene quickly & specifically for the audition
· How to accurately evaluate your performance after an audition
· Story structure & the different scene types
· Emotional preparation
· Creating scene dynamics
· The difference between the audition & working environment & how to prepare for both.

This workshop follows the American Federation of Radio and Television Artists Annual Membership Meeting and Luncheon, Saturday July 12, 2008 at Andrea’s Restaurant, 3100 19th St., Metairie, LA.

Mr Homa will be available to meet with the media at both the annual meeting and the workshop. Members of the media may contact Gene Meneray, Arts Council of New Orleans to schedule an interview with Mr. Homa.

For more info or to register visit www.johnhoma.com or call 866-297-8718.

Union Blues

2008-07-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Good City Business Article on the efforts and tribulations in trying to organize the local music community.

Heading to New Orleans

2008-06-25T12:36:00.000-07:00

We've officially Boogalooed. It was a great Festival, and FestEvents really is the best staff. Now, it's a 20 bus ride back to New Orleans. Thanks to everyone in Norfolk for showing us a great time, buying our art, and for caring about New Orleans. From all of us, thank you!

Boogaloo Sunday

2008-06-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

With the festival in hand, I headed to Portsmouth this morning by paddlewheel ferry. On Tanya's advice, I found a tasty brunch spot named Comfort. If you get the chance, it's worth a visit. Had a kind of Virginia Eggs Benedict, but with biscuits and Virginia Ham replacing the english muffins and Canadian Bacon, and washed down with a kicking Pimms Cup. Tasty!

Back at the boogaloo, we began wrapping up the festival with Rosie Ledet, and a finale by Cowboy Mouth, who, even though it's the same set everytime, is still a blast.

Here's a final shot of the crew on the banks of the Elizabeth River:

Saturday Wrap Up

2008-06-25T12:07:00.000-07:00

Good day at the Boogaloo today. There are some swamp fires burning in the Dismal Swamp (yes, that's really the name), and it makes the air smell a little like cedar. Otherwise, a good time was had by all. Great shows by Trombone Shorty, the Wild Magnolias took their time bringing the Indian Funk, but when they did, they brought it well. New Birth treated the fine folks of Norfolk to a second line. What about Galactic? Well, let's just say they probably won't be back.

Photo Time!

Domenick and Linda pass a good time.

New Birth Feels Like Funkin it Up

Tanya and Randy attack some crawfish

Saturday at the Boogaloo

2008-06-21T10:04:00.000-07:00

We were greeted at the site by the arrival of a giant cruise ship, bigger than the ones that pull into NOLA. Everyone leaving seemed rather bushed, so I don't think we'll get a lot of traffic.

But no worries! Yesterday was a big success. Sales were much better than last year, Trombone Shorty rocked, and I had my first fried twinkie.

We're Boogalooin from noon to 10:00 p.m. today, with music highlights including the Wild Magnolias, Galactic, and, for the masochists out there, the Habanero pepper eating contest. I didn't have the heart to tell them that I have to go to the Asian market on the Westbank to consistently find Habaneros in NOLA.

Speaking of which, the Louisiana food here is not half bad. There are three vendors with Louisiana roots, and the etouffee I had yesterday was actually pretty good. Honestly, I have definitely had worse etouffee in New Orleans. Today I'm going for the Fried eggplant with crawfish sauce, which is made by an old NOLA hand now plying his trade in Asheville. Looks good!

Boogaloo Fun, now with photos

2008-06-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots from Thursday night's kickoff party. Thanks to all the artists who donated a piece! It means a lot to all of us at the Arts Council.

Scens from the Silent Auction

Michelle, Shirley, Joanna, and Carolyn listening to the Jazz Vipers

Darrin celebrates a successful night Red Auerbach style.

Article in Virginian Pilot

2008-06-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

Great article by Teresa Annas in the Virginian Pilot on the artist trip. If you follow the link, you also get a video of Jazz Vipers from Thursday night's soiree. Thanks, Teresa!

In Norfolk

2008-06-20T07:26:00.000-07:00

After a fun, but long bus ride, we arrived in Norfolk yesterday afternoon about 3:30. I have some fun and lovely photos I'd like to share, but campus housing at Old Dominion has decided that giving us web access will require a wax sealed note from the Governor of Virginia, so I'm typing from the FestEvents office, and can't download our photos.

Anyway, great time last night at the ball. Great crowd, the Jazz Vipers were great as usual, and the auction raised about $4500! Who-hoo! Once again, bravo, FestEvents. You guys rock!

Today is set up, and the Festival starts in earnest tonight at 5:00. Here's the line-up . We're right next to the Missing Kidney stage, so we'll be enjoying a little Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue.

The Boogaloo Crew

2008-06-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

Looking for a great run down of the NOLA artists showing at this year's Bayou Boogaloo? Look no further.

Gus, meet Bus.

2008-06-19T02:00:00.000-07:00

We left NOLA Wednesday night about 6:30, and drove through the night under a Hoodoo moon through Missisippi and into Atlanta. We arrived in Norfolk about 3:30 Thursday night, and went right to the site. Local NBC channel WAVY was there to meet us. And, yes, I probably didn't look my best after 21 hours on the bus, but, it's TV right?

The preview party with silent auction is tonight, and the NOLA artists are the guests of honor. Not a bad life, sometimes...

Boogaloo Load In

2008-06-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

We've loaded up the art to head to Norfolk. We leave on the bus Wednesday night, 6:30 from the Arts Council offices. This is a good opportunity to give thanks to the Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation, which is helping with funding for the trip, and of course, HUGE thanks to Domenick Fini and the crew at FestEvents. We're forever in your debt.

Hampton By The Sea Getting On the Bus

2008-06-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

Gina Harris from Hampton By the Sea Magazine has taken us up on our offer, and is flying to New Orleans tonight to right up there with us on the bus to Norfolk. A 20 hour bus ride with 25 artists? Gina's a brave woman.

Boogaloo Definition

2008-06-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

Anyone else wonder what Boogaloo means? Here's the answer.

Kicking off the Boogaloo

2008-06-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

Local artists and roughly 1,000 pieces of their artwork will be heading for Norfolk, Virginia for the 19th Annual Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Food Festival to be held June 20 - 22, 2008. This event will showcase handmade original New Orleans’ art and provide needed sales to local artists. The result of many months of planning and coordinating between the Arts Council of New Orleans and Norfolk Festevents, this “take-the-show-on-the-road” trip is part of the Arts Council’s aggressive strategy for promoting the cultural economy of New Orleans while providing viable avenues for artists to bring their creative works to the marketplace.

To follow along as we head to Norfolk, check this page out frequently.

Copyright in the 21st Century

2008-06-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

Good article on copyright from Cato Institute. As always, read it with a filter of their libertarian bent, but it really does explain the challenges facing the music industry, and the coming futility of copyright enforcement.

Charitable Exemptions

2008-06-06T11:54:00.001-07:00

We've sporadically followed the question of Harvard's endowment remaining tax free, but this NYT article really should be read by all non profit managers regarding tax exempt activities and the govenment cracking down. This gives me the excuse to link to the IRS Stay Exempt tutorial, which, if you can put up with the goofy characters, actually has some really good info.

Southern Food and Beverage Museum Opens

2008-06-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the Southern Food & Beverage Museum on their grand opening this weekend. Here's an interview with museum curator and friend of the Arts Council Elizabeth Pearce. Spin by the Riverwalk and show them some love.

Irvin Mayfield on CBS News

2008-06-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

It's about 4 weeks old, but check out this segment with NOLA jazz great (and Arts Council board member) Irvin Mayfield on the CBS Evening News.

Obama on the Arts

2008-06-04T12:22:00.001-07:00

Seems like a good day to link to Barack Obama's arts policy. Here's one point worth highlighting:

Create an Artist Corps: Barack Obama supports the creation of an “Artists Corps” of young artists trained to work in low-income schools and their communities. Studies in Chicago have demonstrated that test scores improved faster for students enrolled in low-income schools that link arts across the curriculum than scores for students in schools lacking such programs.

And another, especially relevant for New Orleans artists, who've so often found themselves more loved in Stuttgart than in Scarsdale...

Promote Cultural Diplomacy: American artists, performers and thinkers – representing our values and ideals – can inspire people both at home and all over the world. Through efforts like that of the United States Information Agency, America’s cultural leaders were deployed around the world during the Cold War as artistic ambassadors and helped win the war of ideas by demonstrating to the world the promise of America. Artists can be utilized again to help us win the war of ideas against Islamic extremism. Unfortunately, our resources for cultural diplomacy are at their lowest level in a decade. Barack Obama will work to reverse this trend and improve and expand public-private partnerships to expand cultural and arts exchanges throughout the world.

Atlantic divide, only less so.

2008-06-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

Good NYT article on changes to arts funding in Germany, and how it stacks up to the American model.

Two's a trend

2008-05-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

Keith Marszalek at nola.com has more on potential opening date for Mahalia Jackson Theatre

Mahalia Jackson Theatre

2008-05-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

Renovations steaming forward at Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts. More like this, please.

Cultural Products Districts

2008-05-27T08:01:00.000-07:00

The Picayune picks up the story here. Blakely says 3 to 4 districts "almost certain", and the city is shooting for up to seven!

Synovate For New Orleans

2008-05-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

The Arts Council and 40 of our member artists recently had the unique experience of partnering with global market research company, Synovate, during their 2008 New Orleans conference.

Each artist created a one of a kind piece commissioned by Synovate, inspired by the theme “My New Orleans”. The 40 pieces will be available for purchase through EBay, with all of the proceeds returning to the artists and the Arts Council. The listings are still being added, if you do not see your favorite artist, check back tomorrow J.

Please visit the auction site and bid on one of these fabulous pieces of art TODAY!
The auction starts May 23rd and will only last one week.
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZsynovateforneworleans

May 20th Artist Opportunities

2008-05-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to the May 20th Artist Opportunities bulletin

Yet more advocacy

2008-05-20T09:31:00.001-07:00

A very fun (at least to me) part of Jay Dick's Advocacy Workshop was finding out that 501c3's can be more involved with lobbying and political issues than I had thought. With the lege in session right now, I thought I'd pull a portion of his PowerPoint and post it as a separate attachment. As with all after the fact PowerPoints, if you weren't there, you probably won't get everything, but, luckily, I was there, and can answer anything that isn't clear.

Arts Advocacy Workshop

2008-05-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

Kudos to Jay Dick of Americans for the Arts for giving a top-notch advocacy workshop on May 15th. For those who couldn't make the workshop, click here to download the PowerPoint from his presentation.

Arts Advocacy Day May 28th

2008-05-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

Speaking of Arts Advocacy, check out this notice from the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts regarding Arts Advocacy Day on May 28th in Baton Rouge:

Mark May 28th on your calendar right now! Then read this email from top to bottom so you’ll be able to respond ASAP! There is a lot at stake here for us all. MONEY!
We've got a major challenge facing us on May 28th for Arts Advocacy Day in the Capitol! The Louisiana Partnership for Arts Advocacy has the entire rotunda of the State Capitol reserved which means that we'll really have to be organized and rally the troops to turn out in force if we're to make an impact on our Legislators. This will be the first time we have had such a significant presence in Baton Rouge in quite a while because we have the most at stake to lose since 1994. Because we have a new administration and so many new legislators in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, we must make this a success! Success means a couple of things: (1) awareness of the impact arts and culture has on Louisiana's economy, (2) increased dollars for the Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism means increased investments locally through the Louisiana Division of the Arts Stabilization and Capacity Grants to the major arts organizations and the Decentralized Arts Funding Program Grants to organizations throughout the region, (3) quality of life in legislative districts that benefits directly from financial support through arts and culture. That's a tall order and one we have the opportunity to make a reality. But we must have all hands on deck in a big way! Every arts and cultural organization in the greater New Orleans area must be represented if we're to be successful.
We will convene at the Capitol Welcome Center Baton Rouge at 702 River Road at 10 a.m. for a Louisiana Partnership for the Arts meeting, get instruction on what we should be talking to our legislators about, and walk over to the Capitol around 11:45 p.m. With so much at stake and such an opportunity, we need the leaders of the arts and cultural organizations with the most at stake (grant dollars) from each region to be at the Capitol to meet with their Legislators from noon until adjournment. You will be meeting and greeting local Representatives and Senators. Remember to bring materials you want to hand out that day – brochures, pens, pencils, calendars – things with a “useful” purpose to fit within the new ethics guidelines. (Parking may be available along River Road along the river.)
Information on statistics for your regions as it affects funding levels through statewide grants and through the Decentralized grants will be available at the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts meeting. The Louisiana Partnership for the Arts’ lobbyists will be there to help us with the contacts with legislators. But please remember that YOU, the constituents (i.e. voters!), are who legislators listen to because once they are elected their chief concern is to get re-elected.
As soon as you know who will be traveling to Baton Rouge, please let me know by carbon copying me on the email you send to patty@tatmangroup.com letting her know of your attendance. Please send Patty names of all the people attending in your group, as she will be making nametags for this event.
Thanks so much in advance. I know it is a lot to ask you to take a full day out of your life for advocacy, but unless we have the full support of our region's arts and cultural community, the gains that we've made over the years could decrease significantly. When you look at the impact of state funding on the arts, one day devoted to insuring your organization's funding really isn't such a big thing!

New Orleans Cultural Districts

2008-05-13T11:25:00.000-07:00

All-

Please see the May 15th notice for info on the city's proposed Cultural Products Districts:
ANNOUNCEMENT

ORDA Review of Cultural Product District Application & Selection Process
6-8 pm
Thursday, May 15, 2008
City Council Chambers

***********************************

Please join the Mayor’s Office of Recovery & Development Administration (ORDA) and the New Orleans City Council at a Community Meeting this Thursday evening to discuss the application and selection process for the State Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism’s "Cultural Product District" Program.

Through this Program, qualified ventures in areas designated as “Cultural Product Districts” can receive tax credits for affordable housing development; historic property renovation; and tax exemptions for sales of original works of art.

To take advantage of these important redevelopment tools, the City of New Orleans must submit proposed districts to the State no later than July 1, 2008.

At Thursday’s meeting, ORDA representatives will discuss the City’s selection process for proposed Cultural Product Districts that will be submitted to the State for approval.

As part of this process, interested neighborhood organizations and other entities will have the opportunity to submit to ORDA proposed district locations through a formal application process.

Applications will be available at the meeting.

The formal application process, eligibility rules, timelines, and the State's approval process will be discussed.

Applications will be due to ORDA no later than Monday, June 2, 2008.

Business of Art Summit

2008-05-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

Arts Biz Program director Gene Meneray will be speaking at the "Business of Art" summit at McNeese State University in Lake Charles this Saturday, May 17th. Todd Mouton of Louisiana Crossroads will also be there. Should you find yourself on the Chenier Plain, come on by!

May 12 Artist Ops

2008-05-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

Here's the Latest Artist Opportunities from the Arts Council

May 5 Artist Opportunities

2008-05-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

If you missed the latest Artist Opportunities email, click here to check them out!

Jazz & Heritage Talent Exchange

2008-05-08T07:53:00.000-07:00

Check out this very cool new database of Louisiana Music created by Jazz & Heritage Foundation. Nice work!

Reserve Your Seat for the Arts Marketing Double Header

2008-04-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

On May 15th the Arts Council of New Orleans and the Americans for the Arts will present back-to-back Arts Marketing Workshops: Marketing Arts Using New Media from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm followed by Arts Advocacy 101 from 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm.

Greg O'Neill, Account Executive with Patron Technology, a NYC based online marketing company, will cover the top tips for success in the competitive e-marketing race before taking an in-depth look at design and editorial choices that increase “e-effectiveness.”

Jay Dick of the Americans for the Arts will discuss the importance of an effective arts advocacy program and the best strategies for communicating with elected officials to insulate arts programs from budget cuts.

These workshops are part of a series of dynamic, intensive full-day workshops to be offered to our local Arts Community over the next six months. The Arts Council, in collaboration with the Americans for the Arts are bringing the ground breaking National Arts Marketing Project (NAMP) to New Orleans to address the short and long-term marketing and audience development needs of our local arts organizations. This program builds upon NAMP’s ten-year record of success in helping arts organizations throughout the country to better understand the marketplace in which they operate; to create aggressive audience development programs to suit those markets and produce increased earned revenue; and to develop professional marketing expertise within the organizations that will help them be more sustainable.

A fee of $30 for Arts Council Members and $40 for non Members covers both workshops’ printed materials, continental breakfast and lunch.

Following the entire workshop series, twenty participants will be eligible to apply for scholarships to attend the 2008 Americans for the Arts National Arts Marketing Conference in Houston, TX. Local arts organizations interested in receiving these scholarships are required to participate in the workshop series.

For additional information and to sign up, contact Gene Meneray, Director of Arts Business Program at 504-523-1465 or gmeneray@artscouncilofneworleans.org.

The National Arts Marketing Project in New Orleans

2008-03-11T13:24:00.000-07:00

~ Presented by Americans for the Arts and the Arts Council of New Orleans

All workshops to take place at the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, 938 Lafayette St in New Orleans. A fee of $35 per day includes marketing materials, light breakfast and lunch.

March 18, 2008
Workshop 1: Unlocking The Puzzle: Creating An Effective Marketing Plan
This seminar will provide attendees with the tools to craft an effective and efficient marketing plan. From the step-by-step planning process, to the use of market research techniques, to crafting a powerful brand identity, participants will leave this seminar with a greater understanding of how to connect the work they present with larger audiences that appreciate the arts. The presenters will utilize interactive exercises, case studies from the arts world, and NAMP’s latest consumer research to illustrate the impact better marketing can have on artists and arts organizations.
· Presented by Julie Peeler, Americans for the Arts

April 4, 2008
Workshop 2: Arts Research on a Shoestring: Understanding Your Audience and Your Organization
Most arts organizations have come to realize the value in getting to know their audiences and recognize that strengthening customer relationships is one of the keys to long term viability and success. Hence we’ve seen an increased interest in marketing research for the arts. But there are some pretty big obstacles including lack of time, money, and expertise. Using a variety of real world examples the morning session will be spent discussing the types of research you should consider, ways to do research in a cost efficient manner, how to develop more effective surveys, and how to approach analysis for greater learning and insight.
Presented by Kate Prescott, Prescott & Associates

May 15, 2008
Workshop 3: Marketing Arts Using New Media (half-day)
This seminar will provide attendees with the knowledge and understanding of e-marketing essentials. The session will cover what patrons do on-line and what an arts organization can do, and should do to build a customer relationship on-line.
Presented by Greg O’Neill, Patron Mail

Workshop 4: Arts Advocacy 101 – What Every Arts Organization Should Be Doing (half-day)
In the past, when economic times were good, the arts were funded because it “was the right thing to do.” But, when economic times are tough, the arts are often the first to be cut from federal, state, and local budgets. To protect your organization from cuts, one must have an effective arts advocacy program in place before times get tough. In this session, you will learn about effective arts advocacy organizations and programs, how to quickly and accurately communicate with your elected officials, and how to protect the arts from budget cuts.
Presented by Jay Dick, Americans for the Arts

August 12, 2008
Workshop 5: Finding & Motivating New Diverse Arts Audiences
Using results from recent research on the motivations and barriers to arts usage among medium and light users of the arts, this workshop provides participants with the tools to attract and keep a broader portion of their community. Participants will be led through the elements necessary for success in diversifying the age and ethnicity of an audience, including key strategies and tactics that have proven successful for other arts organizations.
Presented by Julie Peeler, Americans for the Arts (

September 19, 2008
Workshop 6: Best Practices to Secure and Keep Your Corporate Sponsor
This workshop will illustrate how to build meaningful bridges between a nonprofit and a sponsor’s sales and marketing needs. Today, corporations and nonprofits must be smarter in how they give and receive limited sponsorship marketing dollars. Visibility is no longer enough, and smart companies and savvy nonprofits can use sponsorship to meet a business need to deliver measurable results. Attendees will learn to think strategically and use hands-on techniques to secure and keep corporate sponsors.
Presented by Alice Sachs Zimet, Arts + Business Partners

To RSVP for any of these events, please call 504-218-8869, or email to gmeneray@artscouncilofneworleans.org

Workshop: Creating an Effective Marketing Plan

2008-03-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

The Arts Council of New Orleans and Americans for the Arts Present the National Arts Marketing Project in New Orleans. The Arts Council is pleased to announce Americans for the Arts is bringing their ground breaking National Arts Marketing Project to New Orleans. Over the next six months, a series of dynamic, intensive workshops will be offered to our local Arts Community. Attending these workshops also makes you and your organization eligible for a scholarship to the National Arts Marketing Conference in November.

The first of these workshops, Unlocking the Puzzle: Creating an Effective Marketing Plan will take place on Tuesday, March 18th. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, 938 Lafayette St in New Orleans. Presenting the workshop will be Julie Peeler, VP of Arts & Business Programs with Americans for the Arts.

This seminar will provide attendees with the tools to craft an effective and efficient marketing plan. Participants can expect to learn:

The seven key questions that, when answered, create the framework for an effective marketing plan.
Tips for crafting a better audience survey.
How to use information gleaned from marketing research in marketing, fundraising, and sponsorship decisions.
The latest consumer information on cultural audiences, and how this impacts marketing efforts.
What societal and market forces are shaping how consumers interact with the arts.
How to best use limited marketing resources, and more.

Additionally, the Arts Council and Americans for the Arts will be offering 20 scholarships to area Arts non-profits to attend the 2008 National Arts Marketing Conference in Houston, TX. Organizations interested in receiving these scholarships are required to attend this workshop.

Creating an Effective Marketing Plan Tuesday, March 18th 2008 La Endowment for the Humanities 938 Lafayette St in New Orleans 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. $35, includes lunch and continental breakfast.

Please RSVP to Gene Meneray at 504-523-1465 or to gmeneray@artscouncilofneworleans.org This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.