Louisiana - Division of the Arts

The Division of the Arts is a program of the Office of Cultural Development, an agency within the Department of Culture Recreation and Tourism and the Office of the Lt. Governor charged with the maintenance of our state's valuable artistic assets. In realizing this philosophy, the Division of the Arts has served the state's arts community since its inception in 1977. Since 1977, one of the primary roles of the Division of the Arts has been as grant maker. Financial resources are defined for strategic purposes that work towards advancing the field and providing a public benefit to the residents of our state. Our grants 'investment' also assists in workforce development, and supports the infrastructure of Louisiana's cultural industries. LDOA receives funds from the Louisiana State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division of the Arts provides service and support to constituents in the areas of Arts-In-Education, state and regional partnerships (and the Decentralized Arts Funding program), folklife, individual artists' services, and organizational support services. We act as an information clearinghouse for arts and cultural activities, coordinate statewide convenings, define economic development and measure economic impact of arts and cultural activities. The Division of the Arts administers the Percent for Art program and manages the State Art Collection. The Division is advised by two bodies appointed by the Governor. The Louisiana State Arts Council and the Louisiana Folklife Commission. **Strategic Plan** The Louisiana Division of the Arts is guided by our Strategic Plan. **Mission Statement** The arts are an essential and unique part of life in Louisiana to which each citizen has a right. The Louisiana Division of the Arts in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council is the catalyst for participation, education, development and promotion of excellence in the arts. It is the responsibility of the Division to support established arts institutions, nurture both emerging arts organizations and our overall cultural economy, assist individual artists, encourage the expansion of audiences and stimulate public participation in the arts in Louisiana.