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State of the Arts Symposium 2026

  • June 12, 2026

  • Acadiana Center for the Arts - general

    101 W Vermilion St
    Lafayette, Louisiana 70501-6915
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Description

Join us for our fourth annual State of the Arts Symposium!

State of the Arts is a 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.

10:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Artist's Plenary and Roundtable

2:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Main Symposium Programming

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM: Reception

Full schedule To Be Announced

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Prior to the main program of this year's Symposium, we will be holding an Artist's Plenary and Roundtable from 10 am to 12 pm in the AcA ArtHouse. This event, hosted by artist Aileen Bennett, is specifically designed with artist's in mind, giving them a space to share the challenges and opportunities that they've encountered in the current cultural climate, while also participating in activities designed to help them keep creating.

Please note that registering for the Symposium does not automatically register you for the Artist's Plenary and Roundtable or vice versa. If you would like to participate in both events, please register for both of them at checkout.

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Creative Acadiana programming, including State of the Arts Symposium, holds accessibility as a core part of its mission and makes all of its programming available to attend for free or at a low-cost. However, the continued existence and growth of programming like State of the Arts is dependent on the generosity of you, our attendees. If you would like to support Creative Acadiana programming, a donation would be greatly appreciated. Suggested donation is $25, but please pay what you can.

Date & Time

Jun 12, 2026 10:00 AM-6:00 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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