August 31, 2026 | From City of New Orleans
Mayor's Office of Cultural Economy disburses $125,000 to Traditional Culture Bearers
NEW ORLEANS, LA — The City of New Orleans Office of Cultural Economy announced the disbursement of state appropriation funds to New Orleans culture bearers — specifically Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs and Black Masking Indian musicians, performers, craftspeople, and tradition keepers who sustain the city's irreplaceable cultural identity. The funds were secured through a direct appropriation by Louisiana State Representative Candace N. Newell, whose district encompasses some of the city's most vibrant and historically significant cultural communities.
This one-time funding will provide direct financial support to individual culture bearers and cultural organizations whose work preserves and advances the living traditions — from second line and jazz to Mardi Gras Indian artistry, brass band performance, social aid and pleasure club traditions, and beyond — that make New Orleans one of the most culturally distinct cities in the world.
The heart of New Orleans is found in its people and the traditions they have faithfully carried forward for generations," said Dr. Jenny Mains, Deputy Mayor of Economic Development. "Our culture bearers do more than preserve history. They bring our neighborhoods to life, connect communities, and share the spirit of New Orleans with the world. It is an honor to support those who work every day to keep these traditions alive.
Representative Candace N. Newell, who championed the appropriation in the Louisiana Legislature, emphasized the urgency of the investment. "Our culture bearers have given so much to this city and this state, often without adequate recognition or compensation," said Rep. Newell. "This funding is about valuing their contributions the same way we value any economic driver — because that is exactly what they are. When we invest in our culture bearers, we invest in the soul of Louisiana."
The Office of Cultural Economy helps to facilitate the Second-Line and Mardi Gras Indian Preservation Task Force, and administered the funds based on clubs who participate in the current Second-Line season calendar as well as representatives from Uptown, Downtown and Westbank Super Sunday traditions.
"We are excited to put these dollars directly into the hands of culture bearers," said Frederick “Wood” Delahoussaye, Director of the Office of Cultural Economy. "New Orleans is defined by culture, and culture cannot live without space, support and protection. It must be nurtured and not just celebrated. This appropriation is a recognition that culture is not just who we are — it is how we earn, how we teach, and how we heal. Sustaining our culture bearers is an economic imperative as much as it is a moral one."
A public celebration of the awardees was held on June 17, 2026, at 4:00p.m., Gallier Hall where recipients will be recognized for their contributions to New Orleans' cultural legacy.
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About the Office of Cultural Economy - The City of New Orleans Office of Cultural Economy works to preserve, promote, and sustain the city's cultural industries and creative workforce. Through policy, programming, and investment, the office supports the artists, musicians, makers, and tradition keepers whose work drives tourism, community cohesion, and economic vitality across New Orleans.
About State Representative Candace Newell - State Representative Candace N. Newell represents district 99 in the Louisiana House of Representatives. A committed advocate for her constituents and Louisiana's cultural communities, Rep. Newell has been a leading voice for equitable investment in the arts, cultural heritage, and the working people of New Orleans.