SPARK “Light Up St. Claude” launches on Friday, January 10, 2026, marking the first major public initiative by the Bywater-Marigny Business Organization (ByMBO) to advance a community-led vision for the revitalization of St. Claude Avenue.

Presented as both a celebration and a call to action, SPARK invites residents, business owners, and visitors to gather at the intersection of Clouet Street and St. Claude Avenue for a one-night immersive, light-based art installation. The event aims to create a bold visual statement that signals possibility, safety, and renewal along one of the Marigny and Bywater’s most vital commercial corridors.

Formed seven months ago by local business owners and residents, ByMBO was created to unite neighborhood stakeholders around ethical development, sustainable growth, and meaningful community involvement. Central to the organization’s mission is the belief that lasting change must be driven by the people who live, work, and create in the area.

“History has shown that top-down plans alone do not work here,” says Jonny Liss of the ByMBO Board and JAMNOLA. “True transformation must begin with the people who experience St. Claude every day.”

“This event marks the beginning of a broader, long-term initiative to revitalize St. Claude as a thriving asset for the community,” adds Chris Berends of the ByMBO Board and Raven Production. “Our goal is to make it a premier destination for businesses and a safe, vibrant place that reflects the best of the Bywater and Marigny.”

According to Karla Marie Cochran of the ByMBO Board and Studio Shakt NOLA, SPARK is designed to engage the community directly. “SPARK ‘Light Up St. Claude’ is an invitation — to show up, participate, and help shape what St. Claude can become.”

The event will feature two large-scale light installations that launch a year-long series of artistic activations along St. Claude, along with bike and pedestrian safety resources, opportunities for residents to engage in the planning process, local food and drink vendors, and participation from neighborhood businesses including Saturn Bar, Galaxie, and Night Bloom.

EVENT DETAILS
Event Name: SPARK “Light Up St. Claude”
Date: Friday, January 10, 2026
Time: 4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Location: Clouet Street & St. Claude Avenue