This initiative represents a commitment to advancing the cause of arts and culture in Acadiana by recognizing the essential role that the arts play in the community. By placing the arts at the center of community development efforts, the initiative seeks to promote economic growth and cultural preservation while creating a more inclusive and vibrant place for future generations.

Acadiana is a culturally rich region located in South Louisiana that is known for its vibrant music, dance, and visual arts scenes. The arts are an essential part of Acadiana’s cultural heritage. Acadiana’s music, dance, and visual arts traditions are unique and valuable, reflecting the region’s history and identity.

The arts are critical for education and personal development. There is a substantial body of knowledge developed over the past 40 years that suggests that integrating the arts into learning creates many positive impacts on overall achievement [1]. Students with high levels of arts involvement are less likely to drop out of school [2]. Arts education’s implementation in Early Childhood improves vocabulary, communication, and memory in young children [3]. High levels of arts involvement among disadvantaged students is related to finding a better job, earning a degree, and likelihood of the student going on to volunteer, demonstrating not just increased achievement but also growth of attributes like empathy [4].