The city of New Orleans Office of Cultural Economy has announced a pause on grants for 2026 amid the city’s financial crisis. The city of New Orleans issued a statement saying that the grants, which provide funding to local artists and culture bearers, have already been hit by loss of revenue this year and that the decision was not made lightly. The office said in an issued statement that it is “troubled by the inability to fill this gap or offer grants in the manner it once could.”“This decision was not made lightly and follows a careful review of our current fiscal priorities and available funding,” said Frederick Delahoussaye, director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy. “Our office deeply values the artists, culture bearers, and creatives who make New Orleans unlike any other place in the world. Although we are unable to provide the same level of financial support in the coming year, we will continue to advocate for much-needed resources while advancing partnerships and initiatives that strengthen our creative and cultural communities.”WDSU reached out to Mayor-elect Helena Moreno regarding the future of these grants once her administration takes over in January. At the time of this publication, a response had not been received. The city said updates on future funding will be made available online here.
The city of New Orleans Office of Cultural Economy has announced a pause on grants for 2026 amid the city’s financial crisis.
The city of New Orleans issued a statement saying that the grants, which provide funding to local artists and culture bearers, have already been hit by loss of revenue this year and that the decision was not made lightly.
The office said in an issued statement that it is “troubled by the inability to fill this gap or offer grants in the manner it once could.”
“This decision was not made lightly and follows a careful review of our current fiscal priorities and available funding,” said Frederick Delahoussaye, director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy. “Our office deeply values the artists, culture bearers, and creatives who make New Orleans unlike any other place in the world. Although we are unable to provide the same level of financial support in the coming year, we will continue to advocate for much-needed resources while advancing partnerships and initiatives that strengthen our creative and cultural communities.”
WDSU reached out to Mayor-elect Helena Moreno regarding the future of these grants once her administration takes over in January. At the time of this publication, a response had not been received.
The city said updates on future funding will be made available online here.