Arts Council of New Orleans

UPDATE: 9/15/21

Due to a limited amount received, we will collaborate with arts community partners to assist in the selection and distribution of the grants.


These are challenging and uncertain times. When Hurricane Ida struck, many Gulf south artists and culture bearers were already facing immense hardship due to the impacts of COVID-19 and the surge in cases from the Delta variant. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting arts and culture in our region, the Arts Council New Orleans is working to bring our community together to help our local creators when they need us most.

Artists and culture bearers are the heartbeat of New Orleans. The nature of their work – from gig to gig, event to event – makes them particularly susceptible to the dual crises of COVID-19 and Hurricane Ida. Job opportunities that were already canceled or postponed because of COVID-19 are now even further delayed by the disaster of Hurricane Ida. The troubling reality is that many artists don’t have financial security, pensions, sick leave, or parental leave. Resources in the arts are already stretched too thin, with artists and arts organizations alike experiencing serious financial pressure.

We have established a fund to provide financial relief to artists and culture bearers based in Orleans, Jefferson, and Plaquemines Parishes who have been impacted by recent crises. Our goal is to provide $250 grants to artists.

Donations will be accepted by individuals and corporations in order to replenish the fund and continue making payments to eligible artists in the queue. If you love New Orleans, our region, and the vibrancy of our arts and culture, please consider donating to assist local artists in their time of need. No donation is too small.

The grant application will be open and announced at a later date. Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @artsneworleans and sign up for our newsletter at http://www.artsneworleans.org/join-mailing-list/ for updates.

Photo by: Crista Rock
Art by: Jessica Strahan