Mayor Elect Mitch Landrieu on his commitment to Cultural Economy
MITCH LANDRIEU
As Lt. Governor, I have supported the development of creative industries as an important sector of Louisiana’s economy. I have helped drive incentives for workforce skills development to support creative and cultural industries. My office also promotes use of new technologies to support the arts and culture.
My office began the Cultural Economy Initiative, which supports individual artists and artisans who are active in their disciplines, cultural originators applying as small businesses, and galleries, museums, collectives and nonprofit cultural organizations. The cultural economy in Louisiana accounts for 144,000 jobs, many of which are located in New Orleans.
Since 2007, my office has hosted the World Cultural Economic Forum (WCEF) here in New Orleans. In October 2009, we hosted more than 70 delegates from 30 countries. The forum focused on how leaders can embrace the economic and social roles of culture to help recover from the recession.
New Orleans has one of the world’s more unique and exciting cultures. I will ensure that we invest in this precious asset through city, state and federal grants.
Historic preservation is not only an important part of securing our cultural past; it can be a driver for economic development. My office secured $22 million for homeowners in New Orleans to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. Over 500 homeowners in New Orleans were able to rebuild because of this grant program.
I have championed the Broadway South and Hollywood South tax credits, and my administration will make sure these credits are used to enhance our cultural economy.
As Lt. Governor, I launched the Cultural Districts Initiative. This effort creates hubs of cultural and economic activity and supports indigenous businesses in neighborhoods by offering smart tax incentives. Original artwork sold in these cultural districts is exempt from local and state sales tax. There are now 20 cultural districts from Magazine Street to New Orleans East.
My administration will be a true partner for artists. Thank you for your contribution to our city. I look forward to working with all artists in New Orleans.
Sincerely,
Mitch Landrieu
