On Tuesday, August 25, 2009, Sweet Home New Orleans (SHNO) will release its second comprehensive report on the state of New Orleans’ musicians and culture-bearers. Hurricane Katrina displaced nearly 4,500 musicians, Mardi Gras Indians and Social Aid & Pleasure Club members across the country. Four years later, SHNO is providing its second report that accurately represents the current realities of the New Orleans cultural economy. The data reveals both reasons to be encouraged and reasons to continue fighting diligently for the well-being of the contributors to New Orleans culture.
For those intending to write about New Orleans’ indigenous cultural economy four years post-Katrina, and for those who are following the rehabilitation of New Orleans’ lauded cultural base, this report will provide the careful, extensive research and data analysis needed to arrive at a comprehensive, holistic understanding.
On Tuesday, August 25, interested parties may visit SHNO’s Website for a downloadable report.
Sweet Home New Orleans states that the second annual State of the New Orleans Music Community report would not have been possible without the direction and labors of Rick Weil of Louisiana State University.
“Sweet Home New Orleans has not only made a huge difference in the recovery of New Orleans cultural community; they have also collected a unique body of data about musicians’ and tradition bearers’ well-being, which enables them to produce this culture,” says Weil. “Our analyses show what a severe impact Katrina had, and what an uphill struggle recovery still is. The data clearly show how important Sweet Home’s support is in helping this crucial community survive and thrive, helping the people who produce culture to continue pumping life into the heart and soul of New Orleans.”
By capturing the most pressing needs, this report will facilitate the ongoing, strategic assistance of Sweet Home New Orleans for musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, and Social Aid & Pleasure Club members.
“This analysis of the evolving needs of this community informs decisions about how we can best serve its members,” says Jordan Hirsch, Executive Director of Sweet Home New Orleans. “We have made progress in helping these artists get back to their neighborhoods, and we will continue to allocate resources strategically to help them sustain themselves and transmit the culture of the city.”
Sweet Home New Orleans (SHNO) is a non-profit organization with the mission to support the individuals and organizations that perpetuate New Orleans’ unique musical and cultural traditions. SHNO enables New Orleans musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, and Social Aid & Pleasure Club members to achieve a sustainable lifestyle that will also revitalize the community and cultural economy of New Orleans.
Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, SHNO has provided more than $2.5 million in direct financial assistance to more than 2,300 members of the city’s music community. Its programs include social services, economic development and community revitalization.
To learn more about SHNO, visit www.SweetHomeNewOrleans.org.
