The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy (OCE) has announced a temporary pause of the Cultural Economy Funding Program for the Fiscal Year 2026 Grant Cycle. The decision comes amid ongoing Citywide budget constraints and impending budget cuts for 2026.
In the past few years, the Cultural Economy Office has split with another entity, the non-profit New Orleans Tourism & Cultural Foundation (renamed from the “Fund.”) The NOTCF is responsible for distributing monies (about $5 million annually) derived from a portion of the city’s hotel tax. This revenue is distributed via grants to the community, including thousands of individuals, schools, festivals, events and entrepreneurs. The entire 2024 report can be viewed here.
Almost 300 individuals received a grant of $1,000 to $2,500. Grants to certain festivals, events and organizations could top $50,000. Here are the lists of businesses and entities who received grants from the NOTCF from $2,501 to over $50,000.
“This decision was not made lightly and follows a careful review of our current fiscal priorities and available funding,” said Frederick Delahoussaye, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy. “Our office deeply values the artists, culture bearers, and creatives who make New Orleans unlike any other place in the world. Although we are unable to provide the same level of financial support in the coming year, we will continue to advocate for much-needed resources while advancing partnerships and initiatives that strengthen our creative and cultural communities.”
These challenges underscore the importance of working together at every level — with City Council, the incoming administration, and partners across all sectors — to ensure that the cultural ecosystem of New Orleans continues to thrive.
Updates on future funding cycles will be shared at nola.gov/cultural-economy-
