Lt. Gov. and Louisiana Division of Arts Invest $1.6M

BATON ROUGE (press release) – Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Division of the Arts (LDOA) will invest more than $1.6 million in Louisiana communities to support the arts.

Through the investment, Nungesser and the LDOA seek to support nonprofit organizations, strengthen regional programs and expand access to the arts across the state.

The funding, awarded through three LDOA grant programs, will help organizations sustain programming, build organizational capacity and support local projects that enrich communities throughout Louisiana.

“There’s no question that Louisiana punches above its weight when it comes to the arts and culture,” said Nungesser. From our music and festivals to our museums, theaters and local arts organizations, these are the things that make our communities special and bring people from around the world to Louisiana. We also know the arts are more than entertainment; they’re an important part of our state’s economy and quality of life.”

“These grants help organizations create jobs, attract visitors, educate our children and keep the traditions that make Louisiana unique alive for the next generation,” said Nungesser.

The Investment

Of LDOA’s approximately $3.1 million annual budget, more than half is awarded directly to communities through the following programs:

• General Operating Support Grants: $458,000 awarded to nonprofit arts organizations to strengthen organizational capacity and sustain year-round programming. 
• Regional Arts Council Operating Support: $310,000 awarded to Louisiana’s nine councils to support regional services and programming. 
• Louisiana Project Grant Program: $922,548 awarded to Regional Arts Councils to administer grants supporting local projects in communities across every region of the state.

The General Operating Support program is highly competitive, with applications evaluated through an independent peer-review process. Awards are made to applicants receiving the highest scores based on established criteria.

This year, many organizations submitted strong applications but could not receive funding because of limited resources.

“One of the most difficult parts of this process is knowing that many outstanding organizations and projects cannot be funded,” said Executive Director of the Louisiana Division of the Arts Leea Reese Russell. “The quality of applications continues to exceed the resources available. With additional funding, Louisiana could support even more organizations that are delivering meaningful arts experiences, programs and services to their communities.”

Organizers share that the funding provides benefits that extend well beyond the organizations receiving grants. These investments expand access to the arts, contribute to Louisiana’s economy, enhance educational opportunities, preserve the state’s rich cultural heritage, promote health and wellness and help create stronger, more vibrant communities.

“Louisiana’s culture is one of our greatest strengths, and our arts organizations play a big part in keeping that culture alive,” said Nungesser. “When we invest in the arts, we’re investing in our communities, our economy and the unique traditions that make Louisiana such a special place to live and visit.”

For a complete list of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 General Operating Support Grant recipients, visit the LDOA General Operating Support Grant webpage. For more information about the LDOA grant programs, visit the LDOA webpage.

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