The Helis Foundation John Scott Center Named a Downtown NOLA Awardee

We’re excited to announce that The Helis Foundation John Scott Center is among the Downtown Development District (DDD) 2024 Downtown NOLA Awards recipients. The DDD created the Downtown NOLA Awards as an annual program to recognize exceptional accomplishments of Downtown NOLA property owners, businesses, residents, workers, and organizations.

The center, which opened in 2022 on the first floor of LEH’s historic Turners’ Hall building in downtown New Orleans, received the Hidden Gem award as one of the newest additions to the neighborhood’s cultural and arts scene. Fifty-one works of art in a 6,000-square-foot gallery space present artist, teacher, and mentor John T. Scott’s visionary approach to art, culture, and storytelling.

By examining his art, which uplifts historically excluded and marginalized voices, the center immerses visitors in the heritage, culture, and history underlying critical present-day issues.

The Downtown Development District of New Orleans (DDD) was created by the Louisiana Legislature in 1974 as the nation’s first assessment-based business improvement district (BID) to provide enhanced services in economic development, cleaning, and safety. The DDD services the area bounded by Iberville Street, the Pontchartrain Expressway, Claiborne Avenue, and the Mississippi River.

Awards will be distributed at a reception on Thursday, September 26, at Generations Hall.