Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy

Cultural News You Can Use

Alana Harris Joins Celebration of Dance Theatre of Harlem

Alana Harris attended the Dance Theatre of Harlem reception at the Hyatt Regency, presented by the New Orleans Ballet Association (NOBA) as part of their 2025–26 season. The event brought the city a spectacular evening of artistry, athleticism, and cultural storytelling, showcasing the world-renowned company’s signature blend of classical ballet and contemporary innovation.

Harris’s attendance highlighted her ongoing commitment to supporting and elevating the arts in New Orleans, connecting with community leaders, arts enthusiasts, and performers who inspire the next generation of creatives. The performance celebrated the vibrancy of dance, diversity in the arts, and New Orleans’ enduring role as a cultural hub.

Through events like this, Harris continues to champion the city’s artistic legacy while fostering opportunities for engagement, dialogue, and appreciation of world-class performances.

Director Delahoussaye Supports Artist Dee 1

Director Fredrick Delahoussaye recently supported local artist Dee 1 in receiving the Key to the City, celebrating his contributions to New Orleans’ vibrant music scene. The recognition highlighted the city’s commitment to empowering homegrown talent and fostering opportunities for artists to shine on both local and national stages.

Through this gesture, Director Delahoussaye reinforced the importance of community support for creative leaders, helping to elevate the voices and achievements of New Orleans’ cultural innovators.

Arts Leaders at Louisiana Arts Summit

Micah Theodore, Creative Media Coordinator, attended the Louisiana Arts Summit, joining representatives from Antenna, The Ella Project, LEH John Scott Center, Arts New Orleans, YAYA, A Studio in the Woods, and other organizations dedicated to supporting and celebrating New Orleans’ creative community. The summit offered a space for collaboration, conversation, and shared ideas aimed at strengthening the state's cultural landscape.

In addition, attendees participated in the The Inside Out Project: The Art of Us Together, a global initiative that transforms communities’ untold stories into large-scale public art. Through this project, local voices and portraits were brought together to create a striking visual celebration of unity, creativity, and shared experiences.

Representing the Office of Cultural Economy and the City of New Orleans, it is an invaluable opportunity to connect with artists, advocates, and community leaders while engaging in projects that nurture local talent and enrich our arts ecosystem.

Learn More

To learn more about how our office works with the cultural economy through initiatives, partnerships, and community, and the impacts of that work, read or download Cultural Economy: Culture, Community, and Connection

Defining the Cultural Economy

Cultural Economy is defined as the people, enterprises, and communities that transform cultural skills, knowledge, and ideas into economically productive goods, services, and places. There are six key segments:

Culinary Arts: Food-related cultural products, including food processing, specialty food products and locally-owned, full-service restaurants (does not include franchise/non-local chain restaurants);
Design: Individual designers and firms involved in the communication arts, such as graphic design, printing, and advertising;
Entertainment: The performing arts (music, theater, and dance), individual performers, and the film industries;
Literary Arts and Humanities: Individual writers and editors and book, periodical, and newspaper publishing;
Preservation: Economic activities focused on the restoration and redevelopment of the built environment, including architecture, landscape architecture and a percentage of construction activity focused on preservation and renovation; and
Visual Arts and Crafts: Individual artists and craftspeople as well as the galleries and museums that present cultural products.

Office of Cultural Economy

(504) 658-4927 Email Office of Cultural Economy

Please request an appointment here.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Cultural Economy
Topics

Cultural Economy
Latest News

November 7, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF CULTURAL ECONOMY ANNOUNCES TEMPORARY PAUSE OF GRANT FUNDING PROGRAM IN 2026

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy (OCE) has announced a temporary pause of the Cultural Economy Funding Program for the Fiscal Year 2026 Grant Cycle. The decision comes amid ongoing Citywide budget constraints and impending budget cuts for 2026.

October 31, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

CITY OF NEW ORLEANS ISSUES FILM NOTICE FOR RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN THE 4500 BLOCK OF N. RAMPART ST.

The City of New Orleans today announced that Get Da Bag Productions, LLC will be filming in the 4500 block of N. Rampart St. on Monday, Nov. 3, and Tuesday, Nov. 4, from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

October 22, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

MAYOR’S MARDI GRAS ADVISORY COUNCIL ISSUES NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING

The Mayor’s Mardi Gras Advisory Council (MMGAC) today announced that it will hold an Advisory Council meeting. All MMGAC board meetings are open to the public. All efforts will be made to provide for observation and input by members of the public.

July 23, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

UPDATED CITY TO HOLD UPCOMING MAYOR’S MARDI GRAS ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING

The Mayor’s Mardi Gras Advisory Council (MMGAC) will host a public meeting on Thursday, July 24 at 5 pm. Updates will be provided by multiple City departments and agencies. All MMGAC board meetings are open to the public. All efforts will be made to provide for observation and input by attendees.

April 9, 2025 | From City of New Orleans

MAYOR’S OFFICE OF CULTURAL ECONOMY ANNOUNCES FREDERICK “WOOD” DELAHOUSSAYE AS NEW DIRECTOR

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy (OCE) today announced the appointment of Frederick “Wood” Delahoussaye as its new Director. The announcement was made during OCE’s Q1 Press Conference last Wednesday, where Mayor LaToya Cantrell and OCE leaders emphasized the importance of cultural investment following major economic milestones from the successful celebrations of Super Bowl LIX and Mardi Gras 2025.

March 21, 2025 | From City of New Orleans