Overview :

A 1 ½ day event in New Orleans to build on the continuing Rebirth of the state’s cultural economy, announce CRT’s 2007 action plan to move Louisiana’s cultural industries forward, and launch the world cultural economic forum, with an opening reception on Feb. 1 at The Presbytere at 6 PM.

Preliminary Agenda:

February 1

Explore New Orleans- Spend the day consuming the local culture first hand. Venture down Magazine Street, or try touring Oretha C. Haley Street, or the Marigny, and don't miss the Warehouse Arts District.  New Orleans offers shops, galleries, museums, clubs and restaurants to amaze all your senses. Create your own self-guided tour and experience the cultural economy in action. Enjoy your day journeying the city soaking up the local culture, and be sure you land in the French Quarter for the Opening Reception next the St. Louis Cathedral.

Here's a start - New Orleans Online

6 p.m. Feb. 1—Opening Reception at The Presbytere, 751 Chartres Street, Jackson Square, New Orleans

February 2

8 a.m. Registration Opens

9 a.m. Opening Plenary Session

Main Keynote — Lt. Governor Landrieu

Other Keynotes

• Michelle Ebanks, President Essence Communications

• Kip Holden, Mayor of Baton Rouge

Highlights:

2007 Action Plan Presented by Mt. Auburn Associates

Building a World Cultural Economy Panel Discussion: Moderated by Val Marmillion

Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation— Scott Hutcheson

12:00 p.m. Lunch with entertainment by Henry Gray and Treme Jazz Band - 2006 NEA National Heritage Award Winners

1:30 p.m. Breakouts until 4:00 (Bust-Out ACTION Sessions)

• Tourism & the Cultural Economy— Explores tourism’s role in the Cultural Economy. How can Louisiana tourism thrive through its cultural economy?

• Clinic—Louisiana Small Business Retention Program– A new Small Firm Loan & Grant Program—$140 million will be available in loans and grants for small businesses and non-profit organizations. Learn about this critical new program and how to successfully access these funds.

• Legislate! – Designing tax incentives to cultivate the cultural industries. Join this session and explore CRT’s 2007 cultural economy legislative agenda.

• Statewide Participation in the world cultural economic forum—getting involved. Connecting the arts leadership in visioning of the first Louisiana world cultural economic forum.

• Speak up! Giving preservationists a voice in creating Louisiana’s new comprehensive five-year plan for historic preservation

• Addressing quality of life NOW—housing and healthcare. A panel will present opportunities available NOW and in the future.

• Shhh! — Libraries providing avenues of prosperity for arts and the Cultural Economy. Learn how to connect with one of the best cultural resources in your community to spark new ideas and levels of activity.