Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans

Direct Assistance and Hurricane Ida Recovery: Through the first quarter of 2022 we continued our aid and assistance programs for Hurricane Ida relief. This continued our previous model of relying on community networks partner organizations social media and e-mail communications to connect with cultural community members in need of assistance. For those we were able to get in contact with we spoke with them over the phone gathered some demographic and financial information provided a small amount of financial assistance and then worked to connect them with additional forms of support including other financial assistance food banks rental and utility assistance and mental health services. We also coordinated with other organizations and throughout the year worked with partners to create a model for disaster support services for the cultural community so we are ready for the next disaster.

Organizing and Empowering the Cultural Community: We continued our work with street performers assisting them as they worked to re-open the Royal Street Pedestrian Mall after a 3 year closure. We also helped musicians push for more parking held financial empowerment sessions for musicians and assisted small businesses and individuals navigate various city policies

Develop and Advocate for 'Culture Friendly' Policies and Procedures: This year we spent significant time and effort working to rewrite with city government to rewrite a portion of the zoning ordinance to legalize outdoor live entertainment. This included research meeting with musicians venue owners and neighbors as well as direct discussions with City Council members and their staff. We were ultimately sucessful and outdoor live entertainment was legalized this year capping a three year campaign.