State of the Arts Symposium 2025

  • June 13, 2025 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Acadiana Center for the Arts - general

    101 W Vermilion St
    Lafayette, Louisiana 70501-6915
Ticket Price Free Register Now
Description

Join us for our third annual State of the Arts Symposium.

DETAILS

State of the Arts 2025
Friday, June 13, 2025 | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Acadiana Center for the Arts

 

Overview

State of the Arts is a new, high-impact civic forum designed to elevate public conversation about the role arts and culture play in Lafayette’s economy, identity, and future. It brings together leaders from across sectors—government, business, education, and the arts—to share ideas, data, and strategies that strengthen our cultural infrastructure and deepen its impact.

With over $1.5 billion in annual revenue generated by the cultural sector in Lafayette Parish, the arts are the largest economic driver in our region. But this sector faces critical challenges as global shifts in technology, engagement, and education isolate people from place and community. State of the Arts is an effort to reframe and reinforce the essential value of arts and culture to our civic life.

Keynote by Dr. Christophe Jackson – Artist, Educator, Neuroscientist

"What Creativity Does to Your Brain"

A highlight of the event, Dr. Christophe Jackson will deliver a powerful keynote on the neurological and social benefits of creativity. A Louisiana native with a unique blend of artistic and academic expertise, Dr. Jackson will present a dynamic, interdisciplinary talk exploring how creativity supports cognitive development, mental health, and social cohesion. His keynote will integrate performance, research, and personal insight, offering an unforgettable case for the essential role of the arts in personal and collective well-being, all delivered from the grand piano on the stage of the James Devin Moncus Theater.

More Details to come!

Date & Time

Fri, Jun 13, 2025 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Venue Details

Acadiana Center for the Arts - general

101 W Vermilion St
Lafayette, Louisiana 70501-6915 Acadiana Center for the Arts - general
Acadiana Center for the Arts

Our mission is fostering art and culture in Acadiana.

Founded in 1975, Acadiana Center for the Arts (“AcA”) is a community-supported nonprofit organization that fosters art and culture in Acadiana. Since its founding, AcA has developed as a major force, shaping the future of public education and community development in South Louisiana.

AcA supports the creation of new works of art, exhibits, festivals, performances, and public art across an eight-parish region that includes Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion Parishes.  

AcA aims to bring equitable access to the arts and supports fair compensation of artists. On average, AcA serves over 300,000 people annually and provides fair compensation to 2,700 artists.  

In 2013, the AcA merged with the Performing Arts Society of Acadiana (“PASA”), whose mission was to educate, inspire, entertain, and culturally enrich the people of south Louisiana by providing local access to a diverse range of the performing arts. This merger supported the vision of both organizations and provided much-needed support to PASA’s programs. Founded in 1989, PASA served as a leading voice in the performing arts in South Louisiana for close to three decades.


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