It's National Arts in Education Week!

During this week, the field of arts education joins together in communities across the country to tell the story of the impact of the transformative power of the arts in education. Follow along with us this week as we highlight the amazing Arts in Education programs that are in our Acadiana schools this year!

Why Arts in Education? Because of Arts Education, we learn to explore the world and our place in it courageously. Through the arts, young people in our community develop the imagination to envision a better future—and the creativity to put that vision into action.

What’s your #BecauseOfArtsEd story?

Share your story. Speak up. Advocate. Here’s our story:

Creative Acadiana is a comprehensive career development program for artists and creative entrepreneurs in Acadiana, including grant funding, workforce development courses, and professional networking opportunities to build a thriving creative sector in Acadiana.

As artists, working through the instinct to please in an effort to stay connected to the realization of an authentic idea can be a challenge. Ideas of intimacy and evolving group dynamics converge as we search for a sense of authenticity and meaning.
Participants in “No Need to Please” explore and dialogue though concepts of intimacy within Liberti’s choreographic work “don’t kiss” as an entry point.

Leaning into seemingly provocative content, how can creatives stay truthful, mindful and receptive to social cues while making the work they desire.

Students $2, AcA Members $5, General Admission $10

Live Music this week

Malentina
NXT Series, presented by Rader
Thursday, September 14, 7:30pm
Tickets $35

Thursday night, experience AcA in a whole new way - we are transforming the theater into a 1950's style cabaret to host The Mambo Queen of the South - Malentina!

Whether it's date night or girls night, it'll be an unforgettable night of powerful music and fierce theatrics

Michelle Colón, known by her stage name, Malentina, is a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, burlesque performer, and stage and film actress. With the help of her friend and producer, Josh LeBlanc (GIVERS, Serpentine Man), she writes and composes a wide range of musical styles, from Latin cha cha cha, to hip hop, dance, and even rock & roll.

Design a Pelican applications due now

We are seeking artists to create an original design on a small or large pelican to be auctioned during the Pelican Ball on Saturday, December 2.

To find out more, please download the 2023 Pelicans on Parade Pelican Ball Submission Guidelines.

You may submit your design here by September 16th!

New workshops added

Creatives who are interested in spreading the word about their work and/or events through the media will learn:

(1) the importance of "passive" online presence

(2) how to hone in your brand/story

(3) the most effective ways to pitch yourself to media

and more!

Students $2, AcA Members $5, General Admission $10

Register here

The Arts Grants for Teachers program is funded by the Lafayette Parish School System and coordinated by Acadiana Center for the Arts.

The purpose of this grant program is to encourage teachers to design and develop artistically creative and innovative projects involving the visual and performing arts.

Funding Cycle: November 1, 2023 – May 31, 2024

Application Deadline: September 29, 2023 by 4:00pm via online application

APPLY HERE

October Lineup

Michael Winslow

Comedy Club Series, an AcA & Lafayette Comedy collaboration presented by Jay Culotta
Thursday, October 5, 7:30pm
Tickets $20 - $35

An actor, comedian and beatboxer, Michael Winslow is billed as The Man of 10,000 Sound Effects for his ability to make realistic sounds using only his voice.

He is best known for his roles in all seven Police Academy films as Larvell Jones.


Cécile McLorin Salvant

AllStars Series, presented by the Law Offices of Broussard, David, & Moroux
Thursday, October 12, 7:30pm
Tickets $35 - $55

Cécile McLorin Salvant, is a composer, singer, and visual artist. The late Jessye Norman described Salvant as “a unique voice supported by an intelligence and full-fledged musicality, which light up every note she sings”.
Salvant has developed a passion for storytelling and finding the connections between vaudeville, blues, folk traditions from around the world, theater, jazz, and baroque music.
Salvant is an eclectic curator, unearthing rarely recorded, forgotten songs with strong narratives, interesting power dynamics, unexpected twists, and humor.

Spotlight Series

The Conversation Series: Stitching the Geopolitical Quilt to Re-Body Belonging

Thursday, October 26, 7:30pm & Friday, October 27, 7:30pm
Tickets $15-$30

A contemporary dance performance combining technology, interactive gaming, music, fashion, and design. Choreographer Helanius J. Wilkins returns to his hometown for this nationally significant world premier.

Join award-winning choreographer and Lafayette native Helanius J. Wilkins for the premiere of The Conversation Series: Stitching the Geopolitical Quilt to Re-Body Belonging –a multi-dimensional evening-length dance production that confronts and celebrates heritage, resilience, justice, and hope.

AcA's Biggest Fundraiser

Celebrating the craft of beer at the best time of year!

This Fall, Gulf Brew transforms Downtown Lafayette into a beer-centric street festival with more than 200 different types of beer, crafts vendors hand selected by Louisiana Crafts Guild, and amazing entertainment across two stages, Gulf Brew 2023 is set to be the best yet!

fabulous poster art made by Susan David

TICKETS $10, $40, & $100