Some of my forebears came to Acadiana after being expelled from Acadie—present day Nova Scotia. Two hundred and fifty years ago, moving to this place was seen as an opportunity for those hard-worn and weary people to plant seeds that future generations would reap. They innovated, adopting new ways of life in South Louisiana, learning from and sharing cultures with Africans, Native Americans, and Creoles. And they passed on their traditions in song, language, and way of life. Through large and small actions, those people stewarded their culture. Because of their work, we reap what they sowed in our distinctive culture of music, dance, and joie de vivre. 

How will we plant those seeds again today? How do we foster the vibrancy and sense of place that might merit the admiration of our children and grandchildren? The way we can plant those seeds is by leaving a legacy in the culture that shapes us.

Compare our investment in arts and culture today to other sectors of public service, such as schools, hospitals, and social services, and you will find only minimal investment. For more than a generation, Louisiana has ranked poorly on key measurements of education, health and welfare, and economic development. Those areas need investment to effect real change, and the solutions may still be generations away. 

Where we have continued to thrive (even with such small investment) is in our unique community character, our festivals, and our creative people applying themselves to making music, art, and other manners of expression. It is in the creative and cultural sector that Acadiana has continued to innovate and make a mark on the world. 

In this initiative , we ask the question: what if we Let Culture Lead? We imagine a future where we place real investment behind our creativity and culture that drives real growth and vitality for the future. Imagine if Acadiana took its rightful place as a cultural destination and creative hub in the South?

To build that future, AcA envisions the “five pathways” of investment in our culture—building off all we have done—building on Acadiana’s many existing strengths, filling in key gaps, and leading us to a brighter future for our children. If we “Let Culture Lead,” our future can be as bright and dynamic as our history ever was. 

I hope you will read on and join us to plant those seeds today.

          – Samuel M. Oliver, Executive Director, Acadiana Center for the Arts