Immediately following Hurricane Katrina in the fall of 2005, Mayor Ray Nagin appointed the Bring New Orleans Back Commission to formulate recommendations for the restoration of the city.  One of the Commission’s sub-committees focused on arts and culture. Co-chaired by Wynton Marsalis and Cesar Burgos, the Cultural Sub-committee hired AEA Consulting to assist in developing recommendations to rebuild the cultural sector of the city. 

AEA reviewed data on the scope and dimensions of the cultural community, pre-Katrina; reviewed cultural investment strategies in other cities; surveyed New Orleans artists and cultural institutions to assess their damages and losses; and interviewed local artists and cultural leaders.

The plan included 18 objectives for how to address the needs of artists, cultural groups, cultural entrepreneurs, community-based cultural traditions and cultural facilities, stimulate the teaching of arts and cultural traditions to young people, and attract investments and tourism.

For more information please read the summary report, "Report of the Cultural Committee, Mayor's Bring New Orleans Back Commission."

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