Magnolia LNG

FOX29/the Lake Charles CW

Union Pacific Foundation

Southwest Beverage

Deep South Productions

Parker Brand Creative

Tobacco Free Living

Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society

McDonald's of SWLA

IBERIABANK

Coca-Cola

Fusion Five

Knight Media Printing

Acadiana Profile Magazine

Tom Sawyer

Louisiana Lottery

First Federal Bank of LA

Beverage Sales

SpringHill Suites by Marriott

ASI Office Systems

Louisiana Solar Industry

The O'Carroll Group

LakeCharles.com

Thrive Magazine

Lake Charles Vapor

LCP

J&R Carriage

The Lab Design Group

Tipitina's Foundation

Botsky's Premium Hotdogs

MyPlace American Pub

Allstate - Dean Day

Empire of the Seed

Redfish Rentals

Digikast

Shearman Media

Automotive Alignment & Brake Service

Chesson Law Office

The Dev Department

Jazz In The Arts

Fri., Dec. 12, 3pm-7pm; Sat., Dec. 13, 10am-3pm

Enjoy an evening of live music while helping to support Jazz In The Arts, a local nonprofit that facilitates music education and scholarships for area youth interested in jazz music. Tickets are $65 each or $500 for a table of eight. Call 337-794-5744 or visit www.jazzinthearts.com for details. 

Rory Partin's Big Band Sounds

Friday, Dec. 19, 7pm

MSU Department of Performing Arts Theatre

4205 Ryan St., Lake Charles

Ticket Info: www.thelclt.com 

Rory Partin performs classic big band songs while leading stellar musicians through his original arrangements. The concert includes original songs released on his new album this year and also features the incredible vocals of Alexa James (Los Angeles Music Awards Hot New AC Artist of the Year in 2010). Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $5 for students. For details, visit www.thelclt.com or call 337-433-7988.

Acoustic Commons

Friday, Dec. 19, 7pm

Stellar Beans

319 Broad St., Lake Charles

This is our version of open mic for acoustic musicians. Tim Norris is the host of this monthly event. Bring your guitar and friends and join in the fun! Call 337-564-5739 for details.

ACTS Theatre Presents: A Holiday Celebration

Dec. 19-20

ACTS Theatre

1 Reid St., Lake Charles

Ticket Info: www.actstheatre.com 

While the weather outside may not be snow-worthy, we're still getting ready to spread some Holiday cheer at the theatre. The weekend before Christmas we're putting on a special off-season show for a bargain, only $10! We know money is always a little tighter around the holidays, and we wanted to make sure you got to enjoy a quality theatre show without breaking the budget. Tickets will be on sale at actstheatre.com on December 5th, and will be in our ticket outlets on December 8th. Show dates and times are December 19th at 7:30, and December 20th at 3pm and 7:30pm. Call 337-433-2287 for details.

Holiday Black Tie Dinner Gala & Silent Auction

Sunday, Dec. 21, 6pm

Jean Lafitte Room, Lake Charles Civic Center

900 Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles

Ticket Info: 337-794-5744

On December 21, 2014, Jazz in the Arts will present in concert International Mezzo-Soprano and Jazz Vocalist Erica Papillion-Posey of Denver, Colorado. Erica is originally from the Lake Charles area and has traveled nationally and internationally performing for operas. All proceeds from the holiday dinner gala and silent auction will help benefit music education and scholarships for our young people. Tickets are $65 each or $500 for a table of eight. Call 337-794-5744 or visit www.jazzinthearts.com for details.

Activities at the Children's Museum

327 Broad Street, Lake Charles

Call 337-433-9420 for details

Sat., Dec. 20: Breakfast with Santa (Members Only), 9:45am; Meet Santa Claus (Public Event), 10:45am

Mon., Dec. 22: Story Time with Dan Ellender, 11am; Wooden Ornaments, 11:30am & 12pm; Movie Time, 12:30pm

Tues., Dec. 23: Story Time with Nana & Papa Elf, 11am; O, Christmas Tree Workshop, 11:30am; Movie Time, 12:30pm

Fri., Dec. 26: Ceramic Piggy Bank, 11am & 12pm

Mon., Dec. 29: Story Time with Cay Gibson, 11am

Tues., Dec. 30: Crowns & Tiaras, 11am

Tonight: Amanda Walker, Ember Grille, 6pm; The Chuck Taylors, Caribbean Cove (Isle of Capri), 8pm; Willie Tee/Warren Storm & Cypress, Mikko Live (Coushatta), 9pm; DJ CaGe, Jack After Dark, 11pm

Friday: John Cessac, Loggerhead's, 7pm; Amanda Walker, Ember Grille, 7pm; Sinners/Bantam Foxes/We Are Wombat, MyPlace American Pub, 8pm; Porkchop Express, Jack After Dark, 8pm; Clayton Rougeau & the Wild West Show, Mary's Lounge, 8pm; Pookie Marceaux Band, Caribbean Cove (Isle of Capri), 8pm; BB & Company, Gator Lounge (Delta Downs), 9pm; ISIS, Mikko Live (Coushatta), 9pm; Phillip Glynn, Longhorn's, 9pm; Chee-Weez, Luna Live, 10pm; DJ CaGe, Jack After Dark, 11pm

Saturday: Mason Feduccia, Stellar Beans, 12pm; Brittany Pfanz, Stellar Beans, 7pm; Kory Fontenot, Loggerhead's, 7pm; Amanda Walker, Ember Grille, 7pm; Charles Mann, Caribbean Cove (Isle of Capri), 8pm; Rod Richard/The Pegwinders, Longhorn's, 8pm; BB & Company, Gator Lounge (Delta Downs), 9pm; ISIS, Mikko Live (Coushatta), 9pm; Chris Ardoin, The Center Stage, 9pm; The Marvelous Wonderfuls/Large Marge/White Heat, Luna Live, 10pm; DJ CaGe, Jack After Dark, 11pm

Sunday: Street Side Jazz Band, Luna Bar & Grill, 11am; Dirt Road, Mary's Lounge, 5pm; JC Melancon, Loggerhead's, 7pm; Mike Zito Band, Luna Live, 8pm

Tuesday: Mickey Smith, Loggerhead's, 6:30pm; Paper Planes, Luna Live, 10pm; DJ David Verrett, Jack After Dark, 11pm

Dec. 25: Julie Williams, Ember Grille, 6pm; Jen Kober, Jack After Dark, 8pm; Zydecane, Caribbean Cove (Isle of Capri), 8pm; Leroy Thomas & Zydeco Roadrunners, Mikko Live (Coushatta), 9pm; DJ Crush, Jack After Dark, 11pm

Dec. 26: Julie Williams, Ember Grille, 6pm; Acoustic Pie Band, Loggerhead's, 7pm; Mark Reeves/Twisted X, Jack After Dark, 8pm; Herbie Stutes/The Grand Shin, Caribbean Cove (Isle of Capri), 8pm; Aaron Istre/Under the Influence, Mary's Lounge, 8pm; Joe Harmon & the Harmonics, Gator Lounge (Delta Downs), 9pm; No Idea, Mikko Live (Coushatta), 9pm; Flamethrowers, Luna Live, 10pm; Larry Tillery, Longhorn's, 10pm; DJ Crush, Jack After Dark, 11pm

Dec. 27: Julie Williams, Ember Grille, 6pm; Dixie Cups, Isle of Capri, 7pm; Brandon Ledet & the Creole Touch, Caribbean Cove (Isle of Capri), 8pm; No Idea, Mikko Live (Coushatta), 9pm; Snidely Whiplash, Luna Live, 9pm; Larry Tillery, Longhorn's, 10pm; DJ Crush, Jack After Dark, 11pm

Dec. 28: Street Side Jazz Band, Luna Bar & Grill, 11am; TJ Gautreaux/La Soul, Mary's Lounge, 5pm

Dec. 30: Steve Dufrene, Loggerhead's, 6:30pm; DJ David Verrett, Jack After Dark, 11pm

Dec. 31: Orphan Annie, Caribbean Cove (Isle of Capri), 5pm; Colorcast Reunion Show/Oh, Rhien, Black Heart Saints/Ryan Guidry, Luna Live, 9pm; Warrant/Firehouse, Delta Downs, 9pm; Black Rain Rebellion/The Nobodys, The Center Stage, 9pm; Kadillacs, Caribbean Cove (Isle of Capri), 9pm; Boomerang, Gator Lounge (Delta Downs), 9pm; Triggerproof, Mikko Live (Coushatta), 10pm; DJ Crush, Jack After Dark, 11pm

Mardi Gras Twelfth Night

Tuesday, Jan. 6, 6:30pm

Lake Charles Civic Center

900 Lakeshore Dr., Lake Charles

A glittering entrance to the Mardi Gras season, the Twelfth Night celebration at the Lake Charles Civic Center draws thousands to see the grand promenade of the kings, queens, and captains of more than 50 krewes. Tickets purchased in advance are $5 and $6 at the door for adults and free for children 5 and under. Call 337-439-1723 for details.

Regional Arts Network (RAN) Seminar

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 11:30am-1pm

Central School Arts & Humanities Center

809 Kirby St., Lake Charles

The next edition of the Arts Council of SWLA's Regional Arts Network (RAN) will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Room 108 of Central School in Lake Charles. The quarterly series offers seminars and workshops on topics affecting SWLA's cultural economy from cultivating business partnerships to social media strategies, and the luncheons allow for networking opportunities for area creative workers, young professionals, and community leaders. An RSVP is required, and there will be a nominal fee to attend. Lunch will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, call the Arts Council office at (337) 439-2787 or visit www.artscouncilswla.org. 

Lincoln: The Constitution & the Civil War, Opening Reception

Friday, Jan. 23, 4pm

Central Library

301 W. Claude St., Lake Charles

"Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War," a traveling exhibition, will open on Wednesday, January 21 at Central Library located at 301 W. Claude Street in Lake Charles. An opening reception for the exhibit led by the program's scholar, Dr. Michael Smith, Associate Professor of History at McNeese State University, will be held on Friday, January 23rd at 4:00 p.m. at the library. The exhibition examines how President Lincoln used the Constitution to confront three intertwined crises of the Civil War-the secession of Southern states, slavery and wartime civil liberties. The exhibit will run during library hours through March 6 and is free and open to the public. Call 337-721-7151 for details.

Watercolor Workshop with Soon Y. Warren

March 19-21

Associated Louisiana Artists, Creative Arts Center

106 W. Pryce St., Lake Charles

Associated Louisiana Artists is pleased to host a watercolor workshop with nationally recognized artist, Soon Y. Warren. Registrations are now being accepted. "Vibrant Painting in Watercolor" workshop will be held March 19-21, 2015 at ALA's Creative Arts Center, 106 Pryce Street in Lake Charles. During this 3 day workshop, Ms. Warren will teach the concept of color theory, composition, value and organizing the process of painting, as well as layering, washing, glazing colors and details to finalize your paintings. The workshop will be held from 9:00am-4:00pm each day. The cost is $250. To view Soon's work, visit her website, www.soonwarren.com. Please contact Sue Zimmermann with any questions, at 337-478-5850 or email szimmerman310@yahoo.com.

Masur Museum Annual Juried Competition - Deadline: Jan. 1, 2015

The Masur Museum of Art's Annual Juried Competition showcases contemporary artists throughout the United States of America working in any medium. Best in Show is $1,000.00 and total awards are $3,200.00.Awards will be given by Firmin at the reception in March 2015. Artists do not have to be present to receive awards. To be considered for entry all work must be completed after December 31, 2012. There is a $10.00 fee per entered artwork with a minimum of two entries and a maximum of five entries (i.e. $20.00 for two artworks and $50.00 for five artworks). The exhibition will open on March 4, 2015, and continue through June 20, 2015.  All accepted work must remain in the Masur Museum of Art for the entirety of the exhibition. For details or to submit work, visit www.masurjuried.org. 

Art Associates Gallery Call for Exhibit Proposals - Deadline: Jan. 1, 2015

Art Associates of Lake Charles is currently accepting proposals for exhibits to hang in their gallery space located at Central School. All artists working in 2D and 3D work are accepted. A panel composed of representatives from Art Associates of Lake Charles, the Arts Council of SWLA, and the McNeese Visual Arts Department will review submissions. Gallery space is free of charge and the artist receives 100% of sales provided that the individual/organization furnishes delivery and installation of work as well as breakdown and removal of work. A $100 deposit will be required and held until the state of the gallery after the removal of the exhibit is approved. To submit work, contact the Arts Council office at 337-439-2787.

Walnut Grove Institute Call for Artists - Deadline: Jan. 5, 2015

The Walnut Grove Institute and the Arts Council of SWLA are currently seeking submissions for small exhibits to be hung in the new Post Office building at Walnut Grove in Lake Charles. Artists can email 5-10 high res images of their work to ericam@artscouncilswla.org with work titles, mediums, sizes, and prices. Two artists will be chosen to exhibit at a time. First show will hang Feb. 1 through May 1, 2015. Second show will hang May 14 through July 1, 2015. All work must be 2D and ready to hang. Call 337-439-2787 for details.

Louisiana Division of the Arts Call for Artists - Deadline: Jan. 5, 2015

The Louisiana Division of the Arts is currently seeking an artist to create a series of original awards for honorees at the 2015 Louisiana Culture Awards. Available project budget is $4,500 for 18 awards, inclusive of all costs including materials, base, fabrication, and travel. Interested artists must submit a resume, letter of interest, artist statement, and five images of previous work to Danny Belanger at dbelanger@crt.la.gov by January 5, 2015. Call 225-342-8209 for details.

American Music Board Applications Sought - Deadline: Jan. 9, 2015

American Music Abroad (AMA)'s application round for the 2014-15 season in now open! American Music Abroad is designed to communicate America's rich musical contributions and diverse culture to the global music scene. Each year, approximately ten ensembles are selected to embark on month-long, multi-country tours. Ensembles from any characteristically American musical genres, including, but not limited to Blues, Bluegrass, Cajun, Country, Folk, Latin, Native American, Gospel, Hip Hop/Urban, Indie Rock, Jazz, Punk, R&B and Zydeco are welcome to apply. Ensembles will be selected for artistic quality, a strong education and interactive component, and a dedication to cultural engagement. Previous American Music Abroad ensembles have reached audiences in more than 75 countries who had little or no access to live American music. For more information please visit www.amvoices.org/ama/apply. 

NextNotes High School Composition Awards - Deadline: Jan. 12, 2015

American Composers Forum, is a national non-profit organization that supports composers that recently launched a new, national program for teenage composers of any genre. NextNotes� High School Composition Awards (www.NextNotes.org), provides students with mentorship from professional composers, performance of their composition by professional musicians, a $1000 scholarship and much more. Also, unlike some other programs, it is free to apply for NextNotes. Application Deadline: Monday, January 12, 2015. For more information please visit: www.composersforum.org/program/nextnotes. 

Call to Artists: Watercolor Art Society Houston - Deadline: Jan. 15, 2015

The 38th Annual International Exhibition, in conjunction with a special 5 day workshop with juror Eric Weigardt, offers artists an unprecedented opportunity to compete at a high level of international artistic talent and ability as well as the chance to view and exhibit work for sale in the WAS-H Gallery in the Houston Museum District for an entire month. Artists may submit up to 3 paintings for consideration in the exhibition; if accepted, only one painting per artist will be chosen. Event Dates: 3/10/15 - 4/9/15. For details, visit https://www.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=2008. 

The Big Read Accepting Applications - Deadline: Jan. 28, 2015

The Big Read, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts, aims to restore reading to the center of American culture. Managed by Arts Midwest, the program provides organizations with grants and comprehensive resources that support their efforts to inspire their community to read and discuss a single book or the work of a poet. Community organizations participating in the Big Read develop and produce reading programs that encourage reading and participation by diverse local audiences. These programs include activities such as author readings, book discussions, art exhibits, lectures, film series, music or dance events, theatrical performances, panel discussions, and other events and activities related to the community's chosen book or poet. Activities must focus on a book or poet from the Big Read Library. For details, visit www.neabigread.org. 

Battle of Pleasant Hill Poster Contest - Deadline: Feb. 1, 2015

The Battle of Pleasant Hill Re-enactment Committee announces the second annual poster contest to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War Battle of Pleasant Hill. Any medium may be used to create the poster artwork, and the artwork must include "150th Anniversary" and the date of the actual battle: April 9, 1864. Artist must be willing to give copy rights for the poster artwork that is created to the BOPH committee to be used however the committee wishes. Poster artwork must be submitted by February 1, 2015 by email to boph1864@yahoo.com or mailed to P.O. Box 384, Pleasant Hill, LA 71065. For details, call 318-658-5785.

George Rodrigue Foundation Call for Student Art - Deadline: Feb. 12, 2015

The George Rodrigue Foundation for the Arts and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation are seeking student artwork for their 2015 art contest. Applicants are invited to explore Louisiana's rich musical heritage. All juniors and seniors in Louisiana are eligible for entry in the GRFA Art Contest. No test score, grade point average or college major requirement is necessary for enter. The contest is open to all juniors and seniors attending public and private schools, home schooled students, and GED students. The winning artist will have the opportunity to collaborate with the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts team to design a special poster to be sold at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation's free festivals including the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival, the Louisiana Cajun Zydeco Festival, Congo Square Rhythms Festival, and Fiesta Latina. For details, visit www.rodriguefoundation.org. 

Downtown Crawfish Festival Art Contest - Deadline: March 6, 2015

The Festival, along with Cultural Partner Associated Louisiana Artists Gallery by the Lake, is looking for a few good artists to help celebrate this grand occasion by entering original art work to be possibly chosen as the official 2015 Festival Poster. All entries must be original and conceived by the artist. No copyrighted work, in whole or part, will be accepted.  No enhanced digital images will be accepted. Only the lettering of the poster may be digitally done.  All artwork applications must include the artist's name, address, phone number and email.  Entries will be accepted Tuesday, March 3rd to Friday, March 6th between 12 and 5 pm at the Gallery by the Lake, 106 West Pryce Street, Lake Charles. For applications, visit www.downtowncrawfest.com or the Gallery by the Lake at 106 West Pryce Street. The winning poster will be unveiled at the Press Conference in early April. All entries will also be on display during the SWLA ArtWalk at the Gallery by the Lake for all attendees to see. For more information, call 337-478-9405.

Henning Cultural Center Seeking Art by Women for The Works of Women Exhibit

The Works of Women 2015 Art Exhibit is currently searching for talented female artists to be featured in a new show at The Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur! This show will feature works created exclusively by women in all styles and mediums. All artists interested in being featured in the show should contact Eric Manuel (Creative Director) at the Henning Cultural Center. 337-527-0357 or ericmanuel1978@gmail.com. The show will open on May 7th 2015!

Bi-Annual Quilt Show Seeking Entries

The Calcasieu Cut-Ups Quilt Guild is sponsoring the bi-annual quilt show on April 17 and 18, 2015 at the West Cal Event Center in Sulphur. Entry forms are now available for this judged show, "Quilts for all Seasons." Contact Debbie at gdaruss@msn.com or at 337-527-7582 for details.

Louisiana Artist Roster Accepting Listings

The Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, Division of the Arts will support a Louisiana Artist Roster as mechanism to promote performing and visual artists. The purpose of the roster is to support Louisiana artists who want to tour and exhibit statewide, regionally, nationally and internationally. It will be used to promote Louisiana's artists at upcoming local, regional and national events, and other conferences and opportunities throughout the year as they arise. The Louisiana Artist Roster is a listing of Louisiana artists that have professional experience with shows, exhibits, or performances of all genres who are tour-ready and available for statewide, regional, national or international bookings, exhibitions and special events. Artists must complete the online application and will be selected for the roster through a peer review process. For details or how to apply, please contact Danny Belanger at dbelanger@crt.la.gov or 225-342-8209.

Creative Arts Center Available for Lessons & Workshops

Associated Louisiana Artists announces that its Creative Arts Center is available to non-member artists and teachers to conduct lessons and workshops. The CAC is an extension of the Gallery by the Lake at 106 W. Pryce St. It is a specialized teaching center with work tables, audio/visual equipment and an overhead mirror to show tabletop work. Arrangements can be made by calling 436-1008 during gallery hours, noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. An answering machine will take messages during other hours.

Associated Louisiana Artist's On-Going Art Classes

Join at any time! Professional teachers in watercolors and oils with easel-side individual instruction. Come and enjoy the fellowship and fun in a state of the art facility. All levels of learning are invited. Prices range from $30 to $50 a month. Call 337-478-1008 between 12 and 5 pm Tuesday through Friday, email info@gallerybythelake.com or just come by and visit at 106 W. Pryce Street, in downtown Lake Charles. 

Dewey Fine Art Announces Morning Art Classes

Watercolor classes available for beginning and intermediate adult students, the group classes allow for an individually guided pace, while choosing their own subject matter. Covering the basic drawing and perspective techniques in a fun, relaxing environment. Call 337-477-0124 for details.

Adult Guitar Classes Open Enrollment

Tina Wing will teach a McNeese Adult Guitar class starting every Tuesday from 7:30 - 8:30PM. Call 337-475-5616 to enroll.

Theatre Training Registration Open for Children

A wide variety of workshops are available including Stageworks, and Creative Dramatics. Call 337-433-7323 or visit www.childrenstheatre.cc for details.

Lake Charles Community Band Open to New Members

The Lake Charles Community Band is welcoming new members. All instruments are needed. Practices are on Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 at the Lake Charles Boston Academy Choir Room. Please contact Denise at 625-5330 for more information.

Cottonwood Art Festival - Deadline: Jan. 15, 2015

Event Date: May 2-3, Richardson, TX

Cottonwood Art Festival is located in Richardson, Texas where artists exhibit their work among towering oaks with lakeside beauty.  Cottonwood continues to uphold its reputation as a first rate show. 2015 marks the 46th anniversary for this event. Sponsored by The City of Richardson, Cottonwood Art Festival is a showcase for a large variety of fine art and fine craft and provides our patrons with the opportunity to meet and talk with the artist who created the work. Live entertainment, a Friday night gala for the artists and guests, a children's art area and much more. Visit http://www.cottonwoodartfestival.com for details.

Essence Festival Arts Marketplace - Deadline: Jan. 30, 2015

Event Date: July 2-5, 2015, New Orleans

The 2015 Essence Festival will feature a large variety of hand crafted art/crafts, the best New Orleans & southern cuisine, and a robust group of community, education and health service organizations providing information on how you can engage, impact and service your community and improve your life.  New this year, multi-month promotions of vendor listing in Essence Magazine and EssenceFestival.com, potential to advertise on Essence Magazine and EssenceFestival.com channel at a vendor rate. For details, visit http://www.essence.com/festival/marketing/vendor-application-2015. 

Sulphur Mines Festival

Event Date: March 13-14, West Cal Events Center

The annual Sulphur Mines Festival is currently seeking art and food vendors. Proceeds benefit the Brimstone Historical Society. Call 337-527-0357 for details.

Area Farmers Market Seeking Art Vendors (Ongoing)

The Charlestown Farmers Market and the Cash & Carry Farmers Markers are seeking art vendors. The Charlestown Farmers Market takes place each Saturday from 8AM - 12Noon on Bilbo Street behind Historic City Hall. Visit www.cityoflakecharles.com for details. The Cash & Carry Farmers Market features local art and hand-crafted items on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 4pm-6pm at 801 Enterprise Blvd in Lake Charles. Visit www.cashandcarryfarmersmarket.com for vendor application.

Glacier National Park's Artist-in-Residence Program - Deadline: Jan. 31, 2015

The purpose of Glacier National Park's Artist-in-Residence Program is to stimulate and foster the artistic exploration of this natural and cultural treasure and to share the artist's inspiration with the public through educational programs. In this manner, contemporary artists can continue to explore the concepts first contemplated by earlier artists and inspire others through their artistic endeavors. Dates for the Artist-in-Residence sessions: June 1 -29, 2015; July 6 - August 3, 2015; August 31 - September 27,  2015; October 5 - November 2, 2015. For details, visit www.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=2192. 

National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Awards - Deadline: Feb. 2, 2015

The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is inviting applications for the 2015 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards. The twelve award-winning programs will receive $10,000 and an invitation to accept their award from the President's Committee's Honorary Chairman, First Lady Michelle Obama at a ceremony at the White House. After-school and out-of-school time arts and humanities programs sponsored by museums, libraries, performing arts organizations; educational institutions (e.g., preschools; elementary, middle, and high schools; universities; and colleges), arts centers, community service organizations, businesses, and eligible government entities are encouraged to consider submitting an application. Visit www.nahyp.org for details.

Free Swim Soup Now Accepting Proposals for Microgrants

Free Swim SOUP is now accepting ideas for its next SOUP, a community dinner celebrating creative projects in Southwest Louisiana. Four ideas will be presented ranging from art, urban agriculture, social justice, social entrepreneurship, education, technology, etc. Each presenter has fifteen minutes to share his or her idea and then field questions from the diners. Anyone in the Lake Charles community, as well as the Five Parish Area, is eligible to submit a proposal. If you have an idea for a community-minded project, or your business, non-profit, club, or organization requires monetary assistance to realize a goal, Free Swim SOUP can help provide funding with microgrants from $50 up to $1000 (depending on attendance and donation amounts). Visit www.freeswim.org for details.

New Orleans Theatre Association - Grant Applications Accepted Quarterly

Grants are available for any arts-related endeavors, but are particularly aimed at schools and educational institutes that are active in the performing arts, including music, drama, and dance, as well as related areas such as acting, directing, writing, and producing. Most grants will fall in the range of $500 to $5,000 but other amounts are available and there is no preset maximum amount. More information and a grant application form are available at www.neworleanstheatreassociation.com. 

National Endowment for the Arts

The National Endowment for the Arts Office of Research and Analysis is accepting applications for Research: Art Works, which supports research that investigates the value of the US arts ecosystem and the impact of the arts on other domains of American Life. Visit www.arts.gov/grants to learn more.

Pollination Project

The Pollination Project invites applications from social entrepreneurs for seed grants of up to $1,000, which will be awarded to individuals for projects in the early stages of development that promote compassion toward all life, justice, community health and wellness, and social change-oriented arts and culture. Visit www.thepollinationproject.org/applicantinformatio/funding-guidelines/ to learn more.