This year, $153,000 in funding was awarded to 15 Lafayette arts organizations, like Louisiana Folk Roots, Festival International and the Southern Screen Festival.
This funding was awarded as part of the LCG External Agencies Arts and Culture Grant program, a longstanding partnership between Lafayette Consolidated Government and the Acadiana Center for the Arts.
According to ACA executive director Samuel Oliver, when communities invest in the arts, cultural vibrancy across the region is enhanced — leading to more tourists, and more workforce talent coming to Acadiana.
In 2017, the Lafayette Economic Development Authority and the B.I. Moody College of Business Administration at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette collaborated on a study that found that Lafayette’s cultural sector contributes $1.5 billion to the local economy.
“The arts and culture sector in Lafayette is more than a source of inspiration; it’s a major economic driver,” said Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet. “The organizations supported by these grants are the backbone of our cultural economy and make a real impact—creating jobs, attracting tourism, and fostering a thriving community. Every dollar invested in the arts pays dividends for our economy and quality of life.”
Since 1988, the Acadiana Center for the Arts, located at 101 W. Vermilion Street in Lafayette, has administered more than $1.28 million in funding from LCG arts grants. The $153,000 administered for fiscal year 2025 included both dedicated line item funding a competitive grant portion, where nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Lafayette Parish were invited to apply for up to $7,500 in operational support.
Here is the full list of organizations that received funding this year through the LCG External Agencies Arts and Culture Grant program:
- Louisiana Crafts Guild
- True Friends Society of Lafayette
- Heritage Parc
- Children’s Museum of Acadiana
- Performing Arts Serving Acadiana
- Cité des Arts
- Basin Arts
- Louisiana Folk Roots, Inc.
- Deuxième Vie Creative
- Southern Screen Festival
- Acadiana Symphony Association
- Festival International
- ACLA – Latin Music Festival
- Festivals Acadiens et Creoles
- Mardi Gras Association