State of the Arts Symposium

Join us for our fourth annual State of the Arts Symposium!

State of the Arts is a high-impact civic forum designed to elevate public conversation about the role arts and culture play in Lafayette’s economy, identity, and future. It brings together leaders from across sectors—government, business, education, and the arts—to share ideas, data, and strategies that strengthen our cultural infrastructure and deepen its impact.

With over $1.5 billion in annual revenue generated by the cultural sector in Lafayette Parish, the arts are the largest economic driver in our region. But this sector faces critical challenges as global shifts in technology, engagement, and education isolate people from place and community. State of the Arts is an effort to reframe and reinforce the essential value of arts and culture to our civic life.

Prior to the main program of this year’s Symposium, we will be holding an Artist’s Plenary and Roundtable from 10 am to 12 pm in the AcA ArtHouse. This event, hosted by artist Aileen Bennett, is specifically designed with artist’s in mind, giving them a space to share the challenges and opportunities that they’ve encountered in the current cultural climate, while also participating in activities designed to help them keep creating.

Please note that registering for the Symposium does not automatically register you for the Artist’s Plenary and Roundtable or vice versa. If you would like to participate in both events, please register for both of them at checkout.

Plenary & Roundtable limited to 75 tickets.
Symposium Programming limited to 400 tickets.

Schedule of Events
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Artist’s Plenary and Roundtable
2:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Main Symposium Programming
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM: Reception
Full schedule To Be Announced

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Creative Acadiana programming, including State of the Arts Symposium, holds accessibility as a core part of its mission and makes all of its programming available to attend for free or at a low-cost. However, the continued existence and growth of programming like State of the Arts is dependent on the generosity of you, our attendees. If you would like to support Creative Acadiana programming, a donation would be greatly appreciated. Suggested donation is $25, but please pay what you can.