Two-Day Event Designed to Stimulate Economy for Culture Bearers, Artists and Musicians
The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy’s Carousel of Culture, a cultural event that will feature dozens of artists, musicians, artisans, food truck vendors, and more, will take place 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16 and Sunday, Oct. 17, in City Park at the Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn and Tricentennial Area.
The event is designed spur some economic growth for our culture bearers who otherwise don’t have as many opportunities as festivals have been shut down due to the rise in COVID-19.
“Our culture bearers are the foundation of what makes New Orleans special and helping them find ways to survive and even to thrive in the face of a challenging environment is absolutely critical,” says Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Throughout the pandemic, we stood up a virtual concert series that gave artists economic opportunities, made grants available, and tried to connect them with funding wherever we could. We will continue to do that and to support the essence of our community.”
The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy will continue to organize and host similar opportunities for our culture bearers, said Lisa Alexis, Director of the Office of Cultural Economy. The Office of Cultural Economy launched several programs that benefit these artists, including the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund.
“We are committed to (activating) opportunities that directly support economic growth to our artists and artisans,” Alexis says. “One of the main drivers of our economy is the cultural economy and it behooves us to put as many dollars and resources into it as possible. The people that make that economy possible need to be supported just as much as our other tourism industry sectors.”
Officials at City Park are excited about serving as the site of the upcoming event.
“As stewards of 1,300 acres of public space in the heart of New Orleans, we recognize our role and importance in cultivating cultural accessibility,” said Cara Lambright, CEO of New Orleans City Park. “Urban parks have always been an important setting for arts and cultural programs and working collaboratively with the City of New Orleans to support the cultural community that makes up the fabric of our city is an essential ingredient to how City Park serves the region.”
The Office of Cultural Economy has recenlty announced several grant opportunities for both culture bearers and entertainment venues. Applications are currently being excepted for the Open NOLA Grant, which funds a maximum of $6,000 and is designed to support the re-opening and on-going efforts of entertainment venues. Grant funds can be used for PPE and personnel costs to ensure compliance with recent COVID-19 protocols of checking vaccination status and negative COVID tests and $4,000 of the $6,000 towards booking live entertainment.
Culture bearers and venue owners can apply for this grant by visiting notcf.com.
