Arts Council of Central Louisiana

The Arts Council of Central Louisiana is a pivotal organization dedicated to fostering the arts within the Central Louisiana region. With a profound belief in the transformative power of art, the Council works tirelessly to enhance the quality of life in the community by promoting, developing, and encouraging the arts. Founded on the principle that art is essential to the human spirit, the Arts Council of Central Louisiana serves as a beacon for cultural enrichment. It supports artists and organizations that create art, thereby shaping the lives of residents and contributing to a vibrant community. The Council's mission is to ensure that art remains a central component of the lives of individuals in Central Louisiana, recognizing that exposure to and lifelong learning in the arts lead to healthier individuals and communities. The Arts Council's philosophy is encapsulated in the words of Stella Adler: "Life beats down and crushes the soul, and art reminds you that you have one." This sentiment drives the Council's efforts to demonstrate that art is more than mere entertainment—it is a legacy that outlives individuals and serves as the purest record of the human spirit's history, aspirations, and dreams. The organization's impact is multifaceted. It believes that "Art Changes Everything," and supports this claim with evidence of art's positive effects on learning, health, and the economy. For instance, research cited by the Council indicates that students engaged in the arts are less likely to drop out of school and perform better academically. In the realm of health, art-making is linked to immediate and long-term well-being, with a significant number of American hospitals incorporating arts programming. Economically, the nonprofit arts and culture industry contributes substantially to economic activity, creating millions of jobs and generating billions in government revenues. To achieve its objectives, the Arts Council of Central Louisiana provides a range of services, including technical assistance to artists and emerging organizations, arts advocacy leadership, grant opportunities, and access to performing arts facilities and office space at nonprofit rates. It also offers Arts In Education programs, professional performing arts presentations, and cultural opportunities for underserved populations. The Council encourages community involvement through volunteering, advocacy, and charitable donations. It also invites those interested in the arts to patronize local arts offerings, thereby strengthening the cultural fabric of Central Louisiana. The Arts Council of Central Louisiana is headquartered at 1101 4th Street, Suite 201, in Alexandria, LA, and can be contacted at 318-484-4474 or via email at infolouisiana-arts.org for those seeking to learn more about its programs or wishing to join its efforts in supporting the arts.