Todd Mouton, Humanities Hero

“Growing up in south Louisiana, I was caught up in the power and beauty of the humanities long before I knew what that label really meant,” said Todd Mouton, Humanities Hero. “And since gaining that understanding, I’ve witnessed the life-changing and instructive power of the stories and history behind our state’s treasured cultural expressions time and again.”

As a writer, producer and non-profit executive for more than two decades, Mouton has focused increased public attention on both the riches and opportunities inside our home state’s deep cultural currents. His work across 11 seasons of Louisiana Crossroads garnered a Public Humanities Programming Award from the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, a Heartbeat Award from OffBeat magazine, a Louisiana Governor’s Arts Award for cultural economic development, and numerous Addy Awards.

As the author of the acclaimed book Way Down in Louisiana: Clifton Chenier, Cajun, Zydeco, and Swamp Pop Music, he’s further explored the interconnections between generations of popular folk artists. His 10+ years of work with Louisiana Folk Roots has received support from the National Endowment for the Arts, and now, as Executive Director of the Pugh Family Foundation, he’s working to broaden the reach and deepen the impact of early childhood education in impoverished communities through projects including the PRIME TIME program.

“There may never be enough time to live out all your dreams,” Mouton added. “But thanks to the LEH and its many supporters, there are more open ears and hearts out there than ever before. Without the leadership of and opportunities created by Louisiana’s humanities community, many of my most successful projects would never have grown past the brainstorming phase.”

We at the LEH congratulate and value our Humanities Hero, Todd Mouton. Visit here to learn more about his life and work.