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Bright Lights

Celebrating Louisiana Luminaries

Every spring, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities celebrates the brightest lights in Louisiana humanities at the Bright Lights Awards Dinner. The annual event recognizes the recipients of the LEH’s Humanities Awards, honoring individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the study and understanding of the humanities.

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About the event:

This year’s Bright Lights Awards Dinner was presented with support from Entergy and took place Thursday, May 11, 2023,  from 7 to 9 p.m. under the stars at LEH’s historic Turners’ Hall, 938 Lafayette Street in New Orleans. A patron party was held from 6 to 7 p.m. in The Helis Foundation John Scott Center, which now occupies the first floor of Turners’ Hall.

Urban South Brewery provided local craft beer, and Happy Raptor Distillery crafted a special hibiscus lemonade with their signature, locally made rum for attendees.

The evening featured a silent auction with items like art, unforgettable travel opportunities, festival passes, and more goods that reflect the diversity and richness of Louisiana. 

Since 1985, the LEH has honored leading humanities scholars, authors, poets, literacy advocates, photographers, humanities patrons, and documentary filmmakers in Louisiana through the Humanities Awards.

The annual Bright Lights Awards Gala brings together local officials, community leaders, and humanities advocates alike to celebrate the year’s awardees and all that the humanities can achieve.

See the full list of Humanities Awards winners from 1985 to now here.

Humanist of the Year Zachary Richard at the 2016 Bright Lights Awards Gala
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Humanities Awards winners at the 2019 Bright Lights Awards Gala; photo by Paul Kieu
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2014 Humanist of the Year Walter Isaacson and 2018 Humanist of the Year Leah Chase
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The Cajun trio Angelle Aces performing at the 2019 event recognizing Humanities Awards winners; photo by Paul Kieu
The Cajun trio Angelle Aces performing at the 2019 event recognizing Humanities Awards winners; photo by Paul Kieu
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