Friday, March 11, Public Unveiling of New Culture-Up! in the CBD

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) and Louisiana Cultural Economy Foundation (LCEF) announce an unprecedented partnership to offer entrepreneurial creatives a new business incubator at Turners’ Hall (LEH headquarters) in New Orleans. On Friday, March 11th at 10 a.m. Councilmember LaToya Cantrell will unveil Culture-Up at a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Culture-Up will create a nexus for Louisiana culture in the burgeoning renaissance of the Central Business District. The incubator offers offices and amenities with access to business training, mentors and resources for $250 per month, to individuals and small businesses working in the creative industries.  LCEF will operate the incubator, providing access to their new Louisiana Culturepreneur microloan program, the Catapult Fund, and other programs that support innovation. Both LEH and LCEF will provide members with access to multiple resources, giving small creative businesses a boost.

“For 45 years, the LEH has been a resource to the cultural community in our state. We are pleased to extend our home at Turners’ Hall and our resources to help advance the next generation of cultural creatives with an eye towards a stronger and more sustainable sector,” said Miranda Restovic, President and Executive Director of the LEH.

LCEF CEO Aimee Smallwood said that “Culture-Up is the first of its kind in the area, with resources dedicated to artist/creatives. The creative industries are a powerful economic driver in Louisiana and they are the foundation of our international brand. It is critical to support their innovation and to give them the tools they need to be successful.”

Additional supporters of the Culture-Up initiative include Capital One Bank, the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, and the Downtown Development District.