Arts New Orleans

Arts New Orleans' mission is to support public art and artists, creating work that inspires, connects, and enriches the community through creative expression.

The Arts Council of New Orleans (dba Arts New Orleans) is a private, 501c3 nonprofit organization incorporated in 1975. Over the past five decades, Arts New Orleans has advanced the arts as a driving force for cultural vibrancy, economic development, and community transformation. 

Our programmatic achievements include:

• Young Artist Movement (YAM) - a program that provides transformative job and educational opportunities for local creative youth (400+ youth served)
• LUNA Fête festival of light, art and technology - America's longest-running projection mapping festival
• Arts Market New Orleans - a monthly arts market in City Park showcasing a rotation of 300+ artists from New Orleans and the Gulf South
• Public Art and Placemaking - a collection of almost 500 public artworks across the city

As we reflect on the last 50 years of impact, we look toward an even bolder future - one that ensures the arts remain central to the heartbeat of New Orleans. Through our strategic partnerships, we will continue to expand access to the arts, support creative entrepreneurship, and foster dynamic public spaces that reflect and celebrate our city's rich cultural heritage.

This year, we will:

• Launch Public Art School, a new professional development program for local artists interested in expanding their practice into public art commissions
• Welcome the return of LUNA Fête and the LUNA Night Market arts market
• Serve 100 New Orleans youth through YAM
• Continue activating public spaces as a platform for small businesses and artists to sell their work 

Testimonials

"GNO, Inc.'s work with Arts New Orleans turned the city into a community canvas - showcasing the unique spirit of New Orleans and embracing the power of public art."

Michael Hecht,
President and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc.

“I didn’t even know I could do this (create a mosaic portrait)…Being a part of YAM really showed me what I can do.”

YAM Participant 

“Arts Market New Orleans has helped me grow as an artist by giving me a consistent space to show my work, experiment, and connect directly with people. Being there regularly pushes me to keep creating and refining my practice while staying inspired by the local art scene.” 

Katherine Paredes,
Katherine Paredes Art