Louisiana Office of Cultural Development

10/05/2026

Join the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development and Billy Nungesser Lt. Governor of Louisiana in celebrating Atchafalaya Month, Archaeology Month, Folklife Month, and Creole Heritage Month in October!

📆 🍂 October is a big month here in Louisiana, and there are celebrations to be had all across the state!:

🎭 Arts & Humanities Month: Immerse yourself in the world of art, literature, and culture here in Louisiana, and explore the creative tapestry that makes us so unique. https://bit.ly/4e1jZdl

🍂 Atchafalaya Month: Dive into the mesmerizing beauty of the historic Atchafalaya Basin. Discover its enchanting swamps, lively wildlife, and rich history. https://bit.ly/3Tw0suO

⛏️ Archaeology Month: Unearth the past with Louisiana's archaeological wonders. Delve into the stories that are etched within our ancient landscapes. https://bit.ly/4rClUuw

🎶 Folklife Month: Celebrate the traditions, music, and stories that define Louisiana's folk heritage and cultural roots. https://bit.ly/4hiqZ7W

🍤 Seafood Month: Indulge in Louisiana's greatest culinary treasures. From gumbo to crawfish boils and everything in between, savor the flavors of our seafood-rich cuisine. https://bit.ly/4hnDoYn

⚜️ Creole Heritage Month: Celebrate Louisiana’s rich Creole heritage through its unique blend of African, French, Spanish, Caribbean, and Native American influences. https://bit.ly/3VYK6vk

This October, let's embrace the arts, explore the natural beauty of our state, connect with our heritage, and embrace the flavors that make Louisiana who we are! ❤️ ⚜️

Explore Louisiana | Louisiana Office of Cultural Development | Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board | State Library of Louisiana | Louisiana State Museums | Atchafalaya National Heritage Area

09/18/2026

Can't make it to Shreveport TONIGHT for this historic concert?

You can watch the Live Stream starting at 6pm!
https://www.youtube.com/live/r9GG6wLnZho

Join us for live performances by BeauSoileil avec Michael Doucet, The Dr. Michael White Quartet, and A.J. Haynes, and learn where American music comes from.

09/18/2026

Last week, the Louisiana Division of Historic Preservation hosted the first ever SHPO Connect conference in Baton Rouge. SHPO Connect was an opportunity for SHPO staff from different program areas across the country to meet, network, and discuss challenges we face in our missions to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of our various states. Thank you to all of our attendees from 18 states across the continental U.S. and 1 U.S. territory for their participation in our first event. DHP hopes that this event can continue into the future and become a valuable resource to SHPO programs nationwide.

Many thanks to our venue hosts: the Watermark Hotel, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, Old State Capitol Museum, Capitol Park Museum, and Manship Theatre for helping us make the conference a success. We are also extremely grateful to our many sponsors (listed on last slide), without whom this event would not have been possible. Thank you!

09/04/2026

Two weeks from today we will celebrate Louisiana's musical gifts to the American story as part of America 250. Come out to this incredible live performance at the historic Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. Can't make it in person? A livestream will also be available thanks to Louisiana Public Broadcasting.

Louisiana’s Gift to America: A Musical Legacy Celebrates the State’s Lasting Influence on American Music. Free admission.

09/03/2026

Billy Nungesser Lt. Governor of Louisiana and the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, Division of the Arts are thrilled to announce Louisiana’s newest Cultural District - Ferriday Downtown Cultural District!

The Ferriday Downtown Cultural District has officially joined the Louisiana Cultural Districts Program, bringing the statewide total to 128 Cultural Districts across 78 municipalities and 43 parishes. The Louisiana Cultural Districts Program uses arts, culture, and historic preservation as tools for community revitalization and economic development.

Located in Concordia Parish, the new district has a strong focus on Ferriday’s musical heritage and includes the Delta Music Museum, Delta Music Hall of Fame, and Arcade Theatre. Ferriday was also once home to Haney’s Big House which was part of the Chitlin’ Circuit.

Welcome to the program, Ferriday Downtown Cultural District! We’re excited to see what’s next. 🎶

08/21/2026

2027 Rose Parade float: "Bienvenue en Louisiana"!

Codofil -Agence des Affaires Francophones de Louisiane

📢 🌹 🎉 JUST ANNOUNCED!

I am SO excited to officially unveil our 2027 Rose Parade float: "Bienvenue en Louisiana" - "Welcome to Louisiana"!

This year's Rose Parade theme is 'Welcome', and I don't know any place in the world more welcoming than Louisiana. I always say that the thing that makes Louisiana such a special place is you, the people. Visitors to Louisiana leave here with friends to last a lifetime, and it's all thanks to your generosity and welcoming spirit.

Louisiana will once again be providing the mid-parade entertainment, and I am so proud to announce that this year's performer will be Robin Barnes, the Songbird of New Orleans! We are so excited to travel to Pasadena and share the traditions, culture, and spirit of Louisiana with a worldwide audience.
Explore Louisiana | Rose Parade | Robin Barnes Music | Louisiana Travel Association

08/21/2026

Partners in Place is back!

As you may remember, the Louisiana Cultural Districts Partners in Place pilot Initiative launched last year. This month, we will be accepting applications for its second year! Three Louisiana Cultural Districts will be selected for an 18-month opportunity to work with consultant Dr. Sharbreon Plummer. Together, they will develop a customized strategy for using arts and culture to strengthen public spaces and support community revitalization.

Selected districts will receive:
- Tailored strategic planning support
- A plan for activation, sustainability & long-term impact
- A $5,000 grant to support an arts and culture focused project at the end of the planning process

📅 Applications open August 24–September 28, 2026.

Visit https://www.crt.state.la.us/cultural-development/arts/cultural-districts/resources/index to learn more and find the guidelines.

06/17/2026

Baton Rouge's Dave Cano of Iron Design led the 2026 restoration of Anthem by Lin Emery, 1983. This Brushed Aluminum work of art is a part of the Louisiana State Arts Collection and can now be proudly seen in front of the State Library of Louisiana.

Lin Emery (1926–2021) was a nationally recognized sculptor based in New Orleans whose pioneering kinetic sculptures united abstract form, natural movement, and mechanical innovation. Her public artworks can be found throughout Louisiana and across the United States, and she is widely regarded as one of Louisiana's most important modern sculptors.

05/16/2026

Reminder: The Division of Historic Preservation grant application period is open! Louisiana Main Street Restoration Grant applications are due by Friday, May 29th, and Historic Preservation Fund grant applications are due by Sunday, May 31st.

Follow the links in our bio to find grant application guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application instructions.

05/15/2026

The Louisiana Art Educators Association announces its Summer Retreat, featuring a keynote speech by Leea Reese Russell, Executive Director of the Division of the Arts, and a hands-on ceramic presentation by Sarah House.

📆 June 13, 2026
📍Lafon Performing Arts Center - Luling, LA
💰Free for LAEA members, $25 for non-members
➡️Learn more and register here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/laea-summer-retreat-2026-tickets-1988829147518?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser
Louisiana Art Education Association
Louisiana Department of Education
Louisiana Partnership for the Arts
Arts New Orleans
Arts Council of Greater Baton RougeBayou Regional Arts Council
Acadiana Center for the ArtsArts & Humanities Council of SWLA
Arts Council of Central Louisiana
Shreveport Regional Arts Council
Northeast Louisiana Arts Council
St. Tammany Commission on Cultural Affairs