Program areas at Attn Vicki Chrisman
Visual art exhibits and performances- aca begin the year with hosting a dynamic series of events that enriched the region's cultural landscape. Highlights included the martin payton exhibition and his artist talk on the power of art as a medium for heritage-sharing; grammy-nominated jazz vocalist ccile mclorin salvant's performance; and a sold-out show by emerging artist nebu as part of the nxt series. Aca also celebrated the 50th anniversary of iconic cajun band beausoleil, and the second annual sunny side jazz brunch raised funds for Arts programs. the arbo performance showcased local talent in the roots and country music scene, while a tribute to dege legg's legacy raised funds for a mural in his honor. the premiere of ms. warbucks brought local actors together for a sold-out run of the musical adaptation of little orphan annie. These events underscored aca's role as a key cultural hub, fostering both local and national talent while providing accessible Arts experiences for the Acadiana community.
Community development - aca launched several major initiatives to support regional culture and the creative economy. the let culture lead campaign, announced in september 2023, aims to establish a museum celebrating Louisiana's musical legacy and expand Arts in education. the december 2023 pelican ball raised funds for local Arts projects, while the artspark program, supported by leda and the nea, awarded 50,000 to local artists in 2024. the state of the Arts panel in may 2024 explored the economic impact of local artists, and the ceramics now exhibition, which opened in june 2024, showcased Acadiana's diverse pottery traditions. These efforts highlight aca's ongoing dedication to cultural enrichment and creative growth in Acadiana.
Education and outreach - aca and lpss partnered up on many events. the in media res exhibition, inspired by Louisiana poet laureate darrell bourque's poetry, drew 10,500 visitors and included hands-on workshops for 5th-grade students. On october 16, 2023, aca collaborated with alice boucher elementary and northside leaders to paint a crosswalk, celebrating two decades of supporting north lafayette schools. the creole nutcracker was staged on november 30, 2023, offering 2,000 students an immersive Arts experience. Aca also hosted a successful insiders salon on april 23, 2024, bringing together innovators and young professionals to explore the Arts' role in community-building. the student Arts expo on april 13, 2024, showcased over 1,000 students' work, with 6,000 families attending. Additionally, aca expanded its summer camps for at-risk youth, providing Arts education to foster, unhoused, and migrant children.
General programming