Louisiana: Music Program

French Quarter Festival 2026. Photo by Jon Burket, courtesy of Louisiana Music Trail

State arts agencies use their deep knowledge of the creative sector to provide services to their constituents, strengthen communities and bolster the economy. In Louisiana, this entails tapping into the rich musical legacy of the state to support artists in an ever-changing music industry.

In November 2025, the Louisiana Music Program transitioned into the Louisiana Division of the Arts (LDOA), marking an important evolution in how the state supports and celebrates its musical legacy. Previously housed within the Administrative Office of Cultural Development, the program collaborated closely with the Office of Tourism to advance sustainable tourism initiatives, leveraging Louisiana music as a key driver of visitation and commerce while supporting the music creators who draw audiences, shape cultural identity and anchor local economies. The creation of the Louisiana Music Commission and a state Music Trail are also part of the Louisiana Music Program portfolio.

Within LDOA, the program is now better aligned with statewide arts strategies and positioned to attract more public and private investment, which will help expand funding for artists and grow the creative economy. While it continues to work across the broader music sector, the Louisiana Music Program within LDOA is able to widen its lens to address additional areas such as technical assistance, artist services, workforce development and cultural preservation.

The program facilitates access to legal information, business consultations and entrepreneurial training for musicians through collaborations with the Ella Project and other partners. The repositioned state music program is also expanding rural outreach and developing new resources, including a forthcoming Louisiana Musician’s Toolkit and a Music Creators’ Workforce Development Initiative that will deliver comprehensive, statewide online music business training. In addition, the program is developing more grant opportunities that will focus on serving local musicians.

Working through a coordinated statewide network of public agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions and private-sector partners, the Louisiana Music Program helps address regional and economic disparities while promoting industry best practices. Its work is guided by community input, music census data and economic impact studies, ensuring resources are directed to areas of greatest need, including workforce development and cultural preservation.

For more information on SAA programming, artist services, and the creative economy, contact NASAA.