ArtsNOLA

Games People Play

2009-08-05T17:57:00.001-07:00

Heading to Hampton Roads? If you want to show off your skills, brush up on the rules for cornhole. Just don't make any plans. Tory was tossing corn until 3:3o a.m.

Boogaloo Eats

2009-08-04T21:37:00.000-07:00

When out at the grounds for three days, we all get hungry. Here some of our favorites from this year's Boogaloo:

1. Oyster Platter. AW Shucks provided tasty Louisiana oysters. Apparently, the Chesapeake has been re-stocked with Louisiana oysters, which handle diseases better. Regardless, very tasty raw oysters.

2. Potato Chip Encrusted Crab Cake. Chips seal in the moisture, and the whole thing is deep fried. Very tasty!

3. Havana. Any time you can roll into a place with 20 artists at 1o:00 p.m. on Sunday night, and have a good meal, we have to give them props. Had the paella, Yolanda had the ropa vielo, both quite good.

4. Ribs from Farm Fresh Market. A nice break from all the fried food. Slow cooked ribs in a tangy sauce. Dry rub could have used some cumin and cayenne, but we're not complaining

Boogaloo Saturday

2009-08-02T07:56:00.001-07:00

Good day two at the Bayou Boogaloo. It threatened rain, but turned out rather lovely. Solid sales, with some good size paintings moving, which is always nice. Really top notch music with Anders Osborne, Bonerama, Radiators, and Dr. John. Bonerama Horns sat in with the Rads and the Dr., which was a treat.

Every time I come here, I'm impressed and humbled by the love people have for New Orleans. Lots of people wearing Tulane, LSU and Saints gear, Jazz Fest prints, and hats and tees from NOLA festivals large and small. People singing along to "Suck the Heads" and "Iko-Iko". Not news to anyone reading this blog, but another reminder of how important our local culture is, and how necessary it is to support it and help it grow.

Photo Time

2009-08-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

Some photos from day one of the Bayou Boogaloo

Norfolk from the ferry

In fairness, andouille is a tough word to spell

Tami Curtis Ellis and Soleil

Tony Nozero feeling optimistic

Proud to Call it Home

2009-07-31T07:38:00.000-07:00

One reason we like coming to the Bayou Boogaloo so much is the genuine affection the organizers and attendees have for New Orleans culture. Last night, I talked to people from North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Quebec and of course Virginia, all of them absolutely nuts for New Orleans and our culture. Keep in mind this is a relatively small festival. About 15,000 people are expected over the weekend. This isn't Jazz Fest, this isn't French Quarter Fest, and yet for the people who love New Orleans, it's a fantastic time. When you have fans like these, it makes us proud to represent New Orleans, and we're going to give them a great show!

In Norfolk

2009-07-31T07:31:00.001-07:00

After a smooth, relatively quick 20 hour bus ride, we arrived in norfolk yesterday around noon. After set up and well deserved shower time, we headed over to the artist welcome reception. The last three year's, this party has been called the Hurricane Relief party, and I think it's worth noting that, without prompting, the Norfolk folks have changed the name to artist welcome. Another milestone passed!

Lovely party featuring Terrence Simien and lots of kegs of Abita beer trucked up from the piney woods. Plus boiled crawfish! Not half bad either. Raised some money for the Arts Council, and met lots of people who love New Orleans. Fest starts in earnest today. Here's the line-up.

Arts Council brings artists to Norfolk Bayou Boogaloo

2009-07-28T13:53:00.001-07:00

Linda Lesperance loading her work to head to Norfolk

Once again this year, the Arts Council is bringing 24 local artists to the 20th Annual Bayou Boogaloo and Cajun Festival in Norfolk, VA. The Boogaloo runs July 30 to August 2 at Town Point Park in the heart of the city, and along with these top visual artists, features Louisiana musicians such as Dr. John, Bonerama, The Radiators and more.

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.

The artists leave by bus on Wednesday July 29th from the Arts Council. Follow our trip via our blog or follow us on Twitter.

Arts Council of New Orleans Recieves National Endowment for the Arts Recovery Grant

2009-07-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

Recovery Grant to create new funding opportunities for local arts and cultural organizations.

The Arts Council of New Orleans today announces its selection as a $250,000 grant recipient from the National Endowement for the Arts (NEA) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Arts Council of New Orleans is amoung the 631 nonprofit arts organizations awarded the one-time grant from the NEA to preserve jobs in the nonprofit sector that are in jeopardy due to the recent economic downturn.

The Arts Council of New Orleans applied for NEA funding to regratn to regional arts and cultural organizations. NEA funds will create a one-time grant opportunity to support salaries of positions at risk, or those that have been eliminated as a result of economic challenges, which are critical to the organizations's artistic mission. Grants can also be applied for to expand a period that previously engaged artists or contractual personnel will be employed by arts organizations.

"The Arts Council applied for NEA funds to fill a critical need within the arts community, retaining staff as budgets are tightened," Interim President and CEO of the Arts Council Mary Len Costa said. "We appreciate the opportunity to provide additional financial assistance to arts organizations across the greater New Orleans community. However, the need to support our cultural institutions continues to be great. We need locals to continue investing their time, energy and finances into supporting the arts and cultural organizations as we continue to face economic challenges."

Additional Louisiana arts councils that recieved NEA Recovery Grant Funds to regrant to their respective constituents include the Arts Council of Baton Rouge, Inc. and the Shreveport Regional Arts Council. New Orleans area arts organizations that received a NEA Recovery Grant include Friends of A Studio in the Woods, Junebug Productions, Inc., Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, National Performance Network, Inc. New Orleans Ballet Association, Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, Inc. University of New Orleans, Xavier University of Louisiana and Young Aspirations/ Young Artists, Inc. The Lafayette-based organization Louisiana Folk Roots, Inc. also recieved funding.

In total, the NEA awarded $29.75 million across the country in this second round of grants from the stimulus package. It previously awarded 63 state and regional first round grant submissions in April, totalling $19.8 million. In this third round of grants, thirteen arts organizations in Louisiana were awarded gratns totaling $1,175,000.

Arts Council of New Orleans Awards Grants Totaling $508,406

2008-10-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

The Arts Council is pleased to announce grants awarded through the Louisiana Decentralized Arts Funding Program. A total of $508,406 has been awarded to 97 recipients in Orleans, Jefferson, and Plaquemines Parishes. Decentralized funding supports arts and cultural activities through Operating Support, Project Assistance, and Technical Assistance grants. Grant-sponsored activities will take place October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2009. Decentralized grants are made possible with state funding through the Louisiana Division of the Arts, under the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

Decentralized awards in Orleans Parish include 40 Project Assistance grants to organizations and individuals doing community arts projects and nine Technical Assistance grants that enable organizations to hire professional consultants or partake of arts program-related educational or professional opportunities. Also included in this grant cycle is the second year renewal of 16 two-year Operating Support grants to Orleans-based arts and cultural organizations.

Notable first-time project grant recipients in Orleans Parish include: Children's Hospital - for a music education and performance series for patients and their families featuring performances of Delfeayo Marsalis's "Swinging with the Cool School" and performances by other local musicians; CubaNOLA Arts Collective - for the Vecinos Series of concerts and gatherings at neighborhood venues to bring together new Latin American residents and established New Orleanians for music by international and local musicians and for food and dancing; Rashida Ferdinand - for a ceramics guild program for young people in the Lower Ninth Ward including intensive instruction and opportunities for participants to sell their creations in the community; Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans - for a 7th Ward digital storytelling project that includes training for neighborhood participants and a new media festival which will present and archive the stories of 7th Ward residents; New Orleans Fringe, Inc. - for the first New Orleans Fringe Festival featuring comedy, dance, drama, performance art, puppetry, and spoken word performed at an array of venues in Bywater; St. Louis Cathedral - for a series of concerts presenting internationally-acclaimed organists performing a range of pipe organ music; and Jan Villarrubia - for the production of Whispering Bones, a community-based, collaborative performance piece examining racism and the role of black domestics in white households.

Decentralized awards in Jefferson Parish include 22 Project Assistance grants and one Technical Assistance grant. Five two-year Operating Support grants to Jefferson-based arts and cultural organizations were renewed.

Notable project grant recipients in Jefferson Parish include: Grand Isle Community Development Team - for the 7th annual regional juried art exhibition established to raise awareness of coastal erosion of Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island and the surrounding wetlands; Anita Kulkarni - for workshops in classical Indian music and classical Indian dance and a concert featuring both; Moscow Nights - for An Evening with Anton Chekov, a theater production featuring three Chekov plays; St. Jerome Church - for an after-school dance and drumming program for a mostly Latino student population; and the West Bank Art Guild - for a series of hands-on visual arts workshops for area adults, children and seniors. Eleven school-based projects in Jefferson Parish received funding for arts-in-education activities.

In Plaquemines Parish, four Decentralized Project Assistance grants were awarded. Belle Chasse Academy, Belle Chasse Primary School, and Boothville-Venice Elementary School received funding for arts-in-education activities. Plaquemines Parish Library was awarded a grant to present a series of guest artists as part of its Summer Reading Program.

The Arts Council of New Orleans is one of nine regional agencies in the state that administers the Decentralized Arts Funding Program. Funding is allocated to each parish in the state on a per capita basis, giving each parish the opportunity to develop arts and cultural programming that meets local needs. The Arts Council of New Orleans uses a community-based panel review process involving over 35 volunteers. Panels of community representatives who have arts expertise and diverse community knowledge recommend grant awards. A narrative list of all Decentralized (DAF) grant recipients in this cycle is attached to this email as is a WORD document of this press release.

About the Arts Council of New Orleans:
The Arts Council of New Orleans is a private, non-profit organization designated by the City of New Orleans as its official arts agency. Now in its 33rd year, the Arts Council works in partnership with the City of New Orleans, community groups, local, state, and national governmental agencies, and other nonprofit arts organizations to meet the arts and cultural needs of the New Orleans community through a diversity of initiatives and services. The Arts Council also administers the Community Arts Grants and the Percent For Art program for the City of New Orleans.

Artist Opportunity: New Orleans Fringe Festival

2008-08-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

We are looking for artists to design and create promotional mannequins and venue banners for the New Orleans Fringe Festival on November 13-16. We will organize materials and volunteers to help if necessary, so the earlier we plan it out, the better. If you are interested, please contact ben@nofringe.org and specify that you are an artist. Visit www.nofringe.org for more details.
THANKS!!!
ben@nofringe.org

JPAS Children’s Apprentice Chorus Sign-up NOW through September 8

2008-08-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

Jefferson Performing Arts Society announces sign-ups for its Children’s Apprentice Chorus through September 8. The Children’s Apprentice Chorus is open to children in first and second grades. No audition necessary. Please call Lynne at 504.885.2000 ext. 211 or email lynne@jpas.org to sign your child up. Space is limited.

The JPAS Children’s Apprentice Chorus holds rehearsals for the 2008-2009 school year on Saturday afternoons beginning in September at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, 4119 St. Elizabeth Drive in Kenner. A parent/guardian must attend all rehearsals. The Apprentice Chorus focuses on music education, introduction to choral singing and fun with music.

More about the JPAS Children’s Chorus and Youth Chorale:

The Jefferson Performing Arts Society Children's Chorus and Youth Chorale have been cultivating young voices in song for over 20 years. The JPAS children’s choirs welcome singers who want to develop their singing skills, explore different genres of music, and have fun performing for others. Each year the choirs perform throughout Jefferson and Orleans and often tour to regional and national festivals. Programs include seasonal music, art music of the masters, contemporary hits, Broadway show tunes, traditional choral works, and folk classics. The choral repertoire performed is selected to teach, challenge, and motivate the students. Choir Director Mary Lou Fuenzalida is a Kodály-certified teacher and has been directing award-winning choirs for over twenty years.

More about Jefferson Performing Arts Society:

The Jefferson Performing Arts Society is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to artistic and cultural enrichment for the Gulf South since 1978. Our mission is to support, produce and promote the performing arts in Jefferson and its surrounding areas.

Through the efforts of the Jefferson Performing Arts Society, Jefferson Parish has been turned into an artistic gateway for the Gulf South. Collaborations with Tulane University's Amistad Research Center, the Houma Terrebonne Civic Center, the Gulf Coast Performing Arts at the Saenger Theatre in Biloxi, and national and international organizations, such as the French Consulate, Korean Society, Consulate General of Japan, and Habitat for Humanity, establish JPAS a regional leader in multi-cultural programming and outreach.

HERITAGE SCHOOL OF MUSIC HOLDS AUDITIONS FOR FALL SEMESTER

2008-08-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc., will hold auditions for its Don Jamison Heritage School of Music – a free after-school program – in the first week of September.

The auditions will be held:

Thursday, Sept. 4, at 3:30 p.m., at Lusher CharterHigh School (5624 Freret St.)
Saturday, Sept. 6, at 10 a.m., in the CookFineArtsCenter at DillardUniversity (2601 Gentilly Blvd.)

Classes will continue at the Lusher campus on Thursday afternoons through December 4. Classes will continue at the Dillard campus on Saturday mornings through November 22.

The auditions are open to music students ages 11 to 18 from the greater New Orleans area. Instruction will be in: brass, woodwinds, piano, bass, drums and voice.

The school accepts beginners to advanced students. Beginners and intermediate-level students are being directed to the Lusher campus; the Dillard campus will cater to more advanced students, who will receive instruction in composing and arranging, computer programs for music notation and music business.

Beginners should have completed at least some instruction on their instruments. They should be able to play a major and minor scale, identify notes on a staff and play at least one song. Students should own their own instruments and should bring them to the auditions.

More advanced students auditioning for the Dillard campus should be prepared to:

Perform a song (preferably a jazz standard) that demonstrates their full range of ability
Demonstrate an ability to improvise over a blues form in the keys of F and B flat
Play chromatic scales (F major and B flat major) over the entire length of their instrument.
Sight-read an unfamiliar jazz composition
For pianists and bassists, demonstrate a fundamental ability to read chord changes
For drummers, demonstrate an ability to play “straight-ahead jazz time” (swing and shuffle beats) at different tempos.

The Don Jamison Heritage School of Music is a free after-school program funded by the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation.

Community Partnership Grants Workshops

2008-08-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc., will offer two workshops to explain the application process for the Foundation’s Community Partnership Grants. The workshops will be held Aug. 19 and Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Foundation’s office (1205 North Rampart Street).

The Foundation is currently offering grants in two categories: “Event Presenters and Producers: Festivals and Concerts in Music and Performing Arts,” which provides funds to pay performers; and “Educational Programs in Music, Arts and Cultural Traditions,” which provides funds to pay instructors.

The deadline for applications in the Event Presenters category is Aug. 29. The deadline for applications in the Education Programs category is Sept. 30.

Application forms and guidelines for the Community Partnership Grants are available online at www.jazzandheritage.org, or from the Foundation office.

For more information, please call (504) 558-6100.

The Rhythm Road American Music Cultural Exchange

2008-08-06T11:22:00.001-07:00

10 Quartets Needed to Travel the World

Swing in Senegal...
Groove in Guatemala...
Teach in Turkmenistan...
Improvise in Indonesia...
Harmonize in Honduras...

Jazz, urban/hip hop or American roots (blues, bluegrass, Cajun,
country, gospel, zydeco) quartets needed.

<http://jazzlc.pmailus.com/pmailweb/ct?d=Fna7SgAuABsAAANHAAIETg>
Click here to apply before September 15.

American music + cultural exchange + the world = The Rhythm Road.

Academy SRT of Southern Rep 2008 Fall Schedule

2008-08-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

Writing for Solo Performance
Adults & Teens
Instructor: Jennifer Pagan
7 sessions, 2 hours each

Writing for Solo Performance unites writing with performance to explore personal story, autobiographical or not. The workshop is designed for both writers and performers and will use a distinct collaborative approach, where participants will respond to one another's work in a formal, constructive forum. Through a series of writing exercises and improvisation games, participants will find the seed of their story, and over the course of the workshop, develop it into their own monologue. Artists will perform their creations for friends and family at Southern Rep Theatre during the last session on Monday, October 20th.

Dates: Mondays, September 8 - October 20
Times: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Location of Workshops: Rehearsal Studio, 4701 Freret Street
Location of Final Performance: Theatre, The Shops at Canal Place, 3rd Floor
Registration Deadline: September 1 (Limit: 10 students)
Cost: $100 (Due upon registration; includes materials)

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Marketing the Actor
All Ages
Instructor: Angelina Brocato
3 sessions, 2 hours each

Whether you are an experienced actor seeking growth, a newcomer to the industry, or the parent of a child actor, this course will equip you with valuable, rarely-taught tools. This three-session workshop will explore how to pursue your acting career from a business perspective – a side that is all too often overlooked. You will learn to utilize marketing tools; understand casting director and agent perspectives; learn audition tips; define your acting goals; realize your "type" and much more. Actors are encouraged to bring in headshots and resumes to improve. Child actors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent.

Dates: Mondays, October 27 - November 10
Times: 6pm - 8pm
Location: Rehearsal Studio, 4701 Freret Street
Registration Deadline: October 20 (Limit: 20 students)
Cost: $100 (Due upon registration; includes materials)

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Story Theatre Ensemble
Grades 3-6
Instructor: Jennifer Pagan
8 sessions, 1 hour each

Through a series of acting exercises, improvisation games, and imagination journeys young artists will create their very own versions of traditional folk and fairy tales! As performers, students will learn the art of storytelling, principals of acting, and character development. Young artists will also create their own theatrical world with costumes, masks, props, and set pieces that they will design and produce. Amidst the fun and excitement, children will gain confidence, build teamwork, and explore their creativity! This workshop will culminate in an ensemble performance for friends and family during the last session, Wednesday, October 8.

*Wear clothes appropriate for paint craft projects.

Dates: Wednesdays, August 20 - October 8
Times: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Location: Rehearsal Studio, 4701 Freret Street
Registration Deadline: August 13 (Limit: 15 students)
Cost: $150 (Due upon registration; includes materials)

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Creative Theatre for Girl Scouts
Age 8-17
Instructors: Sarah Z. Singleton & Molly E. Maginnis
2 sessions, 4 hours each

Come create and discover theatre arts in this dynamic workshop series! Girls will work alongside theatre professionals to build their own miniature plays. Grouped by age and team, scouts will write and star in their own original play. Collaboration skills will develop with hands on experience in playwriting, acting, and directing. As actors, they will train the voice, body, and mind through rehearsals and theatre games promoting speech, movement, and improvisation. Creativity and teamwork will thrive as girls discover, connect, and take action with such theater elements as scenery, lighting, sound, costuming, and make-up. Girls will gain confidence by performing and presenting their creations. Come play at Academy SRT!

*Bring a snack & wear clothes appropriate for paint craft projects.

Dates: Saturdays September 13 & 20
Times: 8:30am-12:30pm
Location: Rehearsal Studio: 4701 Freret Street
Registration Deadlines: September 3 (Limit 20 girl scouts)
Cost: $52 (Due upon registration; includes materials)

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Acting
Grades pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12
Instructors: Molly E. Maginnis & Kat Johnston
8 sessions per age group, 1 hour each

Come play! Accommodating various ages and experience levels, this eight session workshop encompasses training in voice, body, mind, connection and process. Lessons and activities will include: auditioning, script analysis, memorization tactics, stage technique, and character development. Young actors will explore creativity through warm-up exercises & improvisation games and cultivate talent by rehearsing monologues & group scenes. Performers will gain skills in focus, communication, confidence, imagination, and teamwork that they can apply in all aspects of life. Students will have the opportunity to present their final performances on the stage of Southern Rep Theatre for family and friends on the last session of each workshop.

Location of Workshops: Rehearsal Studio, 4701 Freret Street
Location of Final Performance: Theatre, The Shops at Canal Place, 3rd Floor
Cost: $120 (Due upon registration; includes materials)

Grades preK - 2: Molly E. Maginnis
Dates: Saturdays, September 27 – November 15
Times: 8:30am – 9:30am
Registration Deadline: Saturday, September 20 (Limit 12 Students)

Grades 3 - 5: Kat Johnston
Dates: Tuesdays, September 23 – November 11
Times: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, September 23 (Limit 12 Students)

Grades 6 - 8: Kat Johnston
Dates: Thursdays, September 25 – November 13
Times: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 18 (Limit 12 Students)

Grades 9 - 12: Molly E. Maginnis
Dates: Saturdays, September 27 – November 15
Times: 10am – 11am
Registration Deadline: Saturday, September 20 (Limit 12 Students)

JPAS Youth Choirs Auditions August 25 & 27

2008-07-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

Jefferson Performing Arts Society will hold auditions for its Children’s Chorus and Youth Chorale August 25 and 27 from 5pm- 6:30pm at the JPAS Office, 1118 Clearview Parkway in Metairie. Auditions are by appointment. Please call Lynne at 504.885.2000 ext. 211 or email lynne@jpas.org to schedule an audition time.

Auditioners should be prepared to sing Happy Birthday or a song of their choice. The audition will also include a vocal range check and pitch match/memory check to determine choir placement. A parent or legal guardian should accompany the singer to fill out all application materials. Past year Chorus and Chorale members do not need to audition again; however, they must stop by the JPAS office to fill out the necessary paperwork.

JPAS Children’s Chorus welcomes children in Grades 3 through 7 for academic school year 2008-2009. However, the director will consider allowing mature, motivated second grade students to join. Rehearsals will be held on Mondays 5:45pm-7pm beginning in September.

JPAS Youth Chorale welcomes students in Grades 8 through 12 for academic school year 2008-2009. Rehearsals will be held on Mondays 7pm-8:15pm beginning in September.

Rehearsals for both choirs are held at First Christian Church, 8121 Airline Drive in Metairie. Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic school year is $400. Financial need scholarships are available and an application may be completed upon audition.

Request for Proposals

2008-07-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

Phase 4
New Populations: Immigrant and Refugee Communities in Louisiana

The Louisiana Division of the Arts (LDOA) Folklife Program seeks proposals to document and report on the folk traditions of immigrant and refugee communities within Louisiana. Each New Populations fieldwork project documents ways in which a cultural group maintains their traditions here in Louisiana. The project goal is to assist these communities to create an inventory of cultural assets and, ultimately, a plan for cultural and/or economic development.

Successful proposals will focus on one cultural event or custom that is important to a community and its folk traditions (crafts, music, dance, foods, etc). Research should emphasize the group's customs and traditional art forms, identify who maintains the featured traditions, and explain what part they play in family or community life. For example, explain how holiday crafts and/or music or traditional occupations or skills are important to the cultural group and how they are maintained in Louisiana. Proposals may also focus on one tradition, such as a traditional occupation, craft, or music, and include interviewing people who maintain the tradition and describing how and when it is made or performed.

For more information on the New Populations Project, see www.louisianafolklife.org/newpopulations/.

Cultural Inventory/Documentation
We anticipate awarding 4-7 contracts of varying amounts totaling approximately $25,000. Specific contract terms will be negotiated for each proposal selected. Considering the limited funds available, proposals that attempt to be broad ethnographic studies will not be competitive. Contractors may draw upon prior research and/or propose fieldwork based on their own interests, contacts, and prior knowledge. Documentation of a specific cultural tradition shall consist of recorded interviews, a field report, an essay, and photographs. The essay and photographs will be presented to the public by means of an online essay. While the field report will not be posted online, it will be available upon request. All materials will be placed in an archive. For communities that have already been documented with a field report, contractors may not be required to submit another field report.

Proposals should focus on substantial communities that include foreign-born members. Proposals should not focus on communities that are primarily foreign students at universities, but rather long-term residents of Louisiana. Proposals will be considered from any immigrant or refugee community. The largest ones include communities from Vietnam, Honduras, Mexico, Cuba, India, China, Taiwan, Palestine and the Middle East, the Philippines, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Korea, El Salvador, Japan, Columbia, Pakistan, Laos, and Thailand. Trans-national cultural groups, such as the Garifuna or Middle Eastern Muslims, will also be considered.

See the website for information about communities already documented. We encourage community members to submit proposals.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT CONTRACTED DELIVERABLES: All contracted deliverables must be submitted by Wednesday, September 9, 2009.

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS:
* A proposal that addresses all issues in the Proposal Worksheet (available upon request).
* A resume indicating any prior fieldwork experience and how it relates to the cultural group to be documented. Prior fieldwork experience in not required, but desirable.

Anyone considering submitting a proposal must contact Maida Owens to discuss proposal options before the deadline and to obtain additional RFP details and the proposal worksheet.

PROPOSAL DEADLINE: Proposals should be submitted as an email attachment by Friday, September 5, 2008 to: Maida Owens, Louisiana Division of the Arts Folklife Program, PO Box 44247, Baton Rouge, LA 70804, 225/342-8178, <mailto:mowens@crt.state.la.us>.

2008 Governor's Arts Awards Request for Nominations

2008-07-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu and the Louisiana Division of the Arts, in the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, are now accepting nominations for the 2008 Governor's Arts Awards. The annual Arts Awards recognizes Louisiana's artists, arts educators, businesses, and arts organizations. Winners are chosen on the basis of the significance and magnitude of their contributions, the benefits of those contributions to Louisiana's citizens, and innovation and commitment to the arts in Louisiana.

Nominations will be accepted in seven categories: Arts Education; Arts Organization; Folk Artist; Lifetime Achievement; Patron; Professional Artist; and Leadership in the Arts. Three Special Recognition Awards will also be presented. The Cultural Economy Development Award will recognize individuals and businesses for work towards the development of the arts and cultural sectors in Louisiana's economy; the Historic Preservation Partnership Award will acknowledge the restoration projects or efforts that have successfully utilized or partnered with arts organizations or artists in fulfilling their mission; and the Cultural Tourism Award will recognize progressive partnerships between art and tourism.

The deadline for submitting nominations is Monday, August 18, 2008. To obtain a nomination form or to view past winner information, please visit the Louisiana Division of the Arts website at http://www.crt.state.la.us/arts.

Winners will be selected by the Louisiana State Arts Council, a governor-appointed advisory council to the Division of the Arts, and by members of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Office of the Lt. Governor.

For additional information, contact the Louisiana Division of the Arts, P.O. Box 44247, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4247, (225) 342-8180, or by e-mail at arts@crt.state.la.us.

The Louisiana Division of the Arts, an agency in the Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, was created in 1977 to support established and emerging non-profit arts institutions, to assist individual artists and to stimulate public participation in the arts in Louisiana. The Division is advised in its efforts by the Louisiana State Arts Council, a volunteer body appointed by the governor. The Division receives funding from the Louisiana Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division can be reached at (225) 342-8180 or on the Internet at http://www.crt.state.la.us/arts.

NOMA Names 10 Artists to be Honored at Love in the Garden

2008-07-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

The New Orleans Museum of Art will honor 10 New Orleans-based artists at this year's fourth annual Love in the Garden celebration on Friday, September 26 in NOMA's Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

The 10 artists selected to be honored at this year's Love in the Garden are:

Wayne Amedee, whose interest in African art can be seen in his painting, sculpture and mixed media work.

Nicole Charbonnet, a painter who recently began experimenting with paintings that depict cowboys, gangsters, and the open roads of the American West.

Jeffrey Cook, known primarily for his mixed media assemblages crafted from found objects, such as bottle caps, nails and driftwood.

Garland Robinette, a painter notable for his portraits, and host of "The Think Tank" on The Big 870 WWL-am.

Elaine Gleason, creator of unique lighting fixtures for New Orleans homes and businesses, inspired by her native New Orleans.

Joann Greenberg, a ceramic artist whose one-of-a-kind plaques, carved with fish or cavorting neo-classic nudes, grace many New Orleans garden walls.

Beth Lambert, abstract painter and ardent supporter of New Orleans art and artists

Auseklis Ozols, painter, fine arts educator, and founder of the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, where he is the Director and an instructor.

Richard Thomas, known for his depictions of musicians, and especially his towering mural of New Orleans jazz legends at the Louis Armstrong International Airport.

Martin Welch, impressionist painter who works with bright colors on a large scale to stimulate the viewer with scenes of his experiences, focusing largely on his passion for the city of New Orleans and costal living.

Now in its fourth year, Love in the Garden has become one of the Museum's most popular annual events, with delectable dining from the city's finest restaurants, an open bar, live music, and dancing under the stars and the oaks in the city's most romantic setting, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

Tickets for Love in the Garden start at $50 for NOMA members and $60 for non-members. To order tickets or reserve tables, contact NOMA's Kristen Jochem at (504) 658-4121.

This year's music will be provided by The Boogie Men and the John Rankin Trio.

Participating food and beverage contributors include Andrea's Restaurant & Catering, Antoine's Restaurant, Acme Oyster House, Bayona Restaurant, Café Degas, Carreta's Grill, Chad's Bistro, Chops Bistro & Martini Bar, Corky's Ribs & BBQ, The Court of Two Sisters, Crescent City Brewhouse, Del Porto Restaurant, Feelings Café, Galatoire's Restaurant, Gordon Biersch, Hard Rock Café, Hostel Restaurant & Lounge, Landry's Seafood House, Lago Restaurant, Mandina's Restaurant, Martin Wine Cellar, Maximo's Italian Grill, Melting Pot, Michael Joyner Catering, Muriel's Jackson Square, Nick's Snoballs & Gelato, Palate New Orleans, Pigeon Caterers/Carnival Brands, P.F. Changs China Bistro, Peristyle, Ralph's on the Park, Rouse's Markets, Ruth's Chris Steak House, 7 on Fulton, Southern Candymakers, Sweet Leslie's, Tomatillo's and Zea Rotisserie & Grill.

2008-07-21T09:07:00.001-07:00

Album Review:

JOHNNY SIMPLE

“You Welcome” Vol.1

Jus-Five Productions

Rating:

On Thursday July 17, 2008 a New Orleans based hip hop artist had an all digital release of his album. The artist, Johnny Simple, released his debut commercial album titled “You Welcome” via the World Wide Web. This is a new phenomenon but not all that uncommon these days. Johnny’s all digital release will soon be followed by a re-release of physical hard copies but for the time being the digital release seems to be working. The major outlets that Johnny Simple’s album is available on include iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, CDbaby, etc. And as for the album, iTunes has rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars, not too shabby for a debut album. “You Welcome” Vol.1 has a different sound than you would expect out of a southern hip hop artist, this particular album is well rounded with a variety of club bangers, true hip hop joints, and radio tracks. The production includes DJ 5Grand, CrackTracks, Smitty, etc. The album also has some features from other artist but is not overdone with features as typically seen on some rap records, which was a pleasant surprise. All together the album is one that should be in any cd collection, ipod, or playlist today. For more information on the artist you can visit his webpage at: HYPERLINK "http://www.johnnysimple.com" www.johnnysimple.com .

Free French Quarter Fest Poster

2008-07-07T11:57:00.001-07:00

In celebration of Satchmo SummerFest, the All Amzie All The Time Gallery is offering free, signed and numbered French Quarter Fest posters. Visit the gallery at 832 Royal Street to pick up your poster today.

Deadline extended for applications to M.A. Museum Studies

2008-07-01T14:33:00.000-07:00

The deadline for applications to the Master of Arts in Museum Studies Program at Southern University at New Orleans has been extended to the end of July for the Fall Semester. Application materials are available in Building 38A on SUNO's Lake Campus at 6801 Press Drive. Details about the program are available in the 2006 - 2008 SUNO Catalog which can be viewed on the Southern University at New Orleans website at www.suno.edu. Look on page 255 of the online catalog. For more information, call Dr. Sara Hollis, Director, M.A. Museum Studies Program or call her at 504-284-5511 or (Cell) 740-417-0171. Email: shollis@suno.edu

Whole Foods benefits the Cripple Creek Theatre Company

2008-06-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Shop at Whole Foods on July 2nd, 2008 and 5% of what you spend will directly benefit the Cripple Creek Theatre Company. So, stock up on organic hot dogs and other Independence Day staples. And don't neglect to spread the word about this revolutionary event via e-mail, telephone, or horseback.

Elemental/Environmental: SPACE Submission Deadline June 23 (photography)

2008-06-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

THE NEW ORLEANS PHOTO ALLIANCE is pleased to announce a call for entries for the up coming juried show Elemental/Environmental: SPACE, a photographic exploration of the art and meaning of space as it relates to the world we live in.

Juror Gary Braasch is an award winning environmental photographer and writer who has documented for nearly 30 years the Earth's environmental issues. His work encompasses a global environmental reach from antarctic seabird research (International Wildlife) to tropical studies in Peru (The Nature Conservancy). His most recent book "Earth Under Fire" was chosen by Vanity Fair as one of the 50 Best Environmental Books and Media, May 2008.

Deadline for submissions: Midnight, June 23rd.
Notification of Acceptance: Tuesday, July 1st.
Opening: Saturday, August 2nd.
Exhibition: August 2nd-29th

Photographers are encouraged to enter up to 5 images. Please follow the link below to submit online and to see submission guidelines.

http://neworleansphotoalliance.org/callEntry.php

Eligibility: Open to photographers of all levels using any photographic process. All art submitted must be original work created by the applicant. Non-Refundable Entry Fee payable online via PayPal. Members: $25. Non-members: $35. Membership + Submission: $45 ($15 savings).

Cripple Creek Theatre Auditions June 20 & 21

2008-06-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

Auditions for the Cripple Creek Theatre Company production of "An Enemy of the People" by Henrik Ibsen with Arthur Miller will be held June 20th and 21st at the Convergence Center for the Arts. Those interested should email: info@seeaplay.org or call 504-891-6815 to schedule an audition.

An Enemy of the People synopsis:
As a small town prepares to resuscitate its economy by opening new medicinal baths, the doctor who conceived of the idea discovers the waters are contaminated. Certain he will be thanked for finding the flaw, he is alarmed when the town refuses to acknowledge or correct the defect. In spite of insurmountable opposition, the doctor refuses to ignore the truth and is terrorized by an oblivious and self-serving majority.

No experience necessary. Men and Women of all ages needed for 11+ roles. Stipends will be paid plus a % of the door. Rehearsals begin June 29 and run Sunday through Thursday. Show runs Thur - Sat July 24th - Aug 16th.

New Orleans Artists Heading to the Bayou Boogaloo

2008-06-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

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.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this very special event,” said Gene Meneray – Director, Arts Business Program for the Arts Council. “Local artist, Darrin Butler, was selected to create this year’s event poster and organizers of Norfolk Festevents are providing complimentary booth spaces, travel and lodging accommodations for our artists at no charge.”

The artists and their artwork will load up at 6:30 p.m. June 18, 2008 at the Arts Council’s Offices at 818 Howard Avenue, New Orleans, LA.

For more details, contact Gene Meneray at 504.218.8869 or via email: GMeneray@ArtsCouncilofNewOrleans.org .

Arts Advocacy - LEGISLATIVE BUDGET REQUEST

2008-05-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

On behalf of the Louisiana Division of the Arts, the Arts Council of New Orleans administers the Decentralized Arts Funding Program that provides much needed support for arts organizations in Orleans, Jefferson and Plaquemines Parishes. Additionally, as one of nine regional agencies in the state, the Arts Council receives an operating grant of approximately $100,000 each year from the LDOA. The Arts Council is a member of the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts Advocacy. Please consider writing your legislator now in support of the budget request detailed below:

For Culture, Recreation and Tourism:

$125,000 increase in the Decentralized Arts Funding Program which places dollars for arts and cultural activities in EVERY parish in the state. This program is a national model for cultural investment and the return to the state is $14 per every dollar granted. This $125,000 will generate $1,175,000 MINIMUM back to the parishes! That is a significant, guaranteed return on your investment!

$297,284 increase in the statewide arts grants through the Louisiana Division of the Arts which supports the major arts and cultural institutions throughout the state. These organizations are responsible for bringing a variety of cultural resources to every parish in the state. These grants build the capacity of these organizations and stabilize their operations so that they may continue growing the cultural economy of their regions. This is cultural economic development at its best!

$60,835 to restore the cut to the Arts Education funding through the Louisiana Division of the Arts. Support for these projects increases the participation and preparation for arts education programming in EVERY school in Louisiana as mandated by Act 175 passed last year. These programs go into EVERY district of the state and prepare our students and teachers for a new day in raising the bar for education in Louisiana.

$57,350 to restore the proposed new and expanded work in Arts Education, through the Division of the Arts, to support the implementation of Act 175 which, over the next four years, puts a visual arts and performing arts teacher in every school in Louisiana. Similar efforts in Arkansas have moved that state into the very top of educational systems in the country. Students exposed to arts in the classroom, and teachers who use the arts to teach core subjects, are an important part of growing our state's competitiveness in the new "knowledge-based" economy of the 21st century. This is a very small investment for such a significant opportunity!

$250,000 for the development of job training program in the cultural economy through the Office of Cultural Development. The job market in the cultural economy is growing with almost $1 billion generated through the film industry alone. The recording industry is also showing significant growth. We also have a great need in preservation craftsmen and in the culinary field. Governor Jindal has recognized the need for workforce development as a means to continued economic development. The cultural economy in the state is poised to play a significant role in that development provided the state is ready to make the necessary investment. Training Louisiana citizens to work in these cultural industries is a win-win all around!

TOTAL CRT REQUEST--------$790,469

For Department of Education:

$500,000 dedicated for the second year implementation of Act 175 as it affects the role of the Department of Education in placing visual and performing arts teachers in EVERY school in Louisiana. These funds are for teacher training and curriculum development leading to the full implementation.

TOTAL DOE REQUEST--------$500,000

TOTAL THE LPAA IS SEEKING------------$1,290,469

eBay Charity Auction for New Orleans' Arts May 23, 2008

2008-05-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

You can purchase original art while helping New Orleans artists and the Arts Council of New Orleans by participating in the eBay charity auction this Friday.

Global research firm Synovate selected 40 artists giving them $1,000 each to create original pieces based on the theme, "My New Orleans." The creations include sculpture, woodwork, glass and mixed media with many of the artists' inspiration being Hurricane Katrina.

All proceeds will go to the artists and the Arts Council to help rebuild the artist community in New Orleans. The auction runs for seven days; you can access it on eBay under the seller ID “synovateforneworleans.”

(Pictured: There's No Place Like Home, by Ariada Capo)

Twenty-one $25,000 Commissions Awarded

2008-05-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

The Arts Council of New Orleans and the Joan Mitchell Foundation are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2008 New Orleans Art in Public Places Commissions:

Franco Alessandrini
Barry Bailey
Ryan Ballard
Raine Bedsole
Lou Blackwell
Marcus Brown
Christopher Scott Brumfield
Catherine Burke
“Generic Art Solutions”: Tony Campbell and Matt Vis
Eric Dallimore
Dawn DeDeaux
Paul Deo
Rashida Ferdinand
Mitchell Gaudet and Erika Larken
Shannon Landis Hansen
Sally Heller
Alex Podesta
Christopher Saucedo
Cynthia Scott and Damon Rosenzweig
Jim Sohr
Michel Varisco

In collaboration with the Joan Mitchell Foundation, and an independent jury, the Arts Council selected twenty-one public art projects designed specifically by local artists for the city of New Orleans. Artists will receive $25,000 to create artwork to be placed in the public venue and help with rebuilding their artistic careers.

Artists from Louisiana and Mississippi who were affected by Katrina or Rita were eligible to apply through a Call to Artists advertised by the Arts Council of New Orleans. The Call to Artists was initially for ten commissions, but due to the extraordinary response, the artistic diversity and the high quality of the proposals, twenty-one commissions funded by the Joan Mitchell Foundation were awarded.

The commissions provide the opportunity for local and regional artists to showcase their work parallel to the international exhibits: Prospect One International Biennial and Sculpture for New Orleans. Projects will be installed beginning in October 2008.

About the Joan Mitchell Foundation
The Joan Mitchell Foundation was established in April 1993 as a not-for-profit corporation following the death of Joan Mitchell in October 1992. The Foundation strives to fulfill the ambitions of artist Joan Mitchell to aid and assist the needs of contemporary artists and to demonstrate that painting and sculpture are significant cultural necessities.

About the Arts Council of New Orleans
The Arts Council of New Orleans is a private, non-profit organization designated by the City of New Orleans as its official arts agency. Now in its 33rd year, the Arts Council works in partnership with the City of New Orleans, community groups, local, state, and national governmental agencies, and other nonprofit arts organizations to meet the arts and cultural needs of the New Orleans community through a diversity of initiatives and services.

The Arts Council serves as one of nine regional distributing agencies for Louisiana Division of the Arts funds, and administers the Community Arts Grants and the Percent For Art program for the City of New Orleans.

For more information, contact:

Morgana King
Public Art Manager
Arts Council of New Orleans
818 Howard Ave., Suite 300
New Orleans, LA 70113
(504) 595-8450
(504) 529-2430 fax
mking@artscouncilofneworleans.org

Community Arts Award Recipients Announced

2008-04-24T12:52:00.000-07:00

The Arts Council of New Orleans has announced its 2008 Community Arts Award Recipients. “These individuals and organizations are being recognized for their unwavering dedication and outstanding contributions to the arts in New Orleans over many years,” said Mary Len Costa, Interim President of the Arts Council of New Orleans.”

Award Recipients include:
Musician Terence Blanchard, actor and writer Ricky Graham, musician Donald Harrison Jr., artist Gene Koss, arts patron Mrs. Paula Maher, and The Historic New Orleans Collection.

Ms. Costa added, “It’s time to celebrate the creative spirit – the heartbeat of New Orleans. We invite everyone to join us for this year’s luncheon as we honor those who share their talents and creativity with our city and the world beyond our borders.”

This year’s gala Luncheon will be held on Friday, May 9 2008 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Riverside Hotel. Patrons will have an extra chance to celebrate the contributions of these impressive recipients at an elegant Patron Party hosted by the Windsor Court Hotel on Tuesday, May 6, 2007 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.