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Strategically building a strong and vibrant economy
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The Cultural Economy Initiative, an effort of the Office of the Lt. Governor and the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Office of Cultural Development, supports the development of creative industries as a viable sector of Louisiana’s economy. It is also designed to develop events that will attract the industries serving arts and culture to Louisiana. Other goals of the Initiative include supporting incentives for workforce skills development to support creative, cultural and eco-cultural industries, and promoting new technologies to support the arts and culture.
The Cultural Economy Initiative began in 2004, with the presentation of a vision for Louisiana's artistic and cultural industries and the announcement of a study funded by the National Endowment for the Arts to define the potential of art and culture as a viable sector of the state's overall economy.
The Cultural Economy Initiative's most public expression was a conference held December 2004 in New Orleans, where more than 1100 leaders in art, art administration, culture, business and economic development, government, workforce development, preservation, government and academia gathered to learn, share dialogue and network.
On August 25, 2005 we convened again for a one day summit to hear the results of a study of Louisiana's cultural and economic potential. These results further informed us about the process of strategically building a strong and vibrant economy to make Louisiana a great place to live, work and play.
A year and a half later after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita drastically altered Louisiana's physical and cultural landscape the third Cultural Economy Summit met on February 2, 2007. This meeting provided an updated strategic report and informed cultural constituents about actions undertaken to replenish and sustain our cultural enterprises. Endorsed by countries from around the world, Lt. Governor Landrieu announced the birth of a world cultural economic forum to take place on August 29, 2007 to reclaim that memorable day in our history for restoration and growth of Louisiana's arts and culture.