The Louisiana Office of Cultural Development is pleased to announce the upcoming application cycle for the Louisiana Cultural Districts Program will open Thursday, May 1, 2025. Communities across the state are invited to take the first step in becoming officially recognized as a Cultural District by submitting a Letter of Interest, the initial part of the program’s two-stage application process.
“The Louisiana Cultural District program empowers communities to harness their cultural identity as a catalyst for growth, proving that ‘culture means business’ in our state. Cultural Districts produce a solid return on investment for Louisiana with hundreds of new businesses opening in these districts and millions of people visiting them,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “We’re excited to welcome new districts into a statewide movement valuing creativity, heritage, and economic vitality.”
The Louisiana Cultural Districts Program supports communities in celebrating their unique cultural assets while driving local revitalization as well as cultural and economic development. Approved districts receive access to:
- State historic tax credits for eligible rehabilitation expenses on revenue-generating historic buildings
- Technical assistance from cultural development professionals
- Official designation as a Louisiana Cultural District
Whether revitalizing a historic downtown or creating a new arts and culture hub, the Louisiana Cultural Districts Program recognizes cultural heritage and offers communities tools to realize their vision. Interested parties are encouraged to learn more and prepare their submissions in advance of the May 1 opening.
When the Letter of Interest (LOI) phase opens on Thursday, May 1, Local Governing Authorities (LGAs) can submit their LOI through Submittable. Following the submission of Letters of Interest, selected applicants will be invited to submit full applications beginning May 31, 2025. The deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
For more information and guidelines, please visit the Louisiana Cultural Districts application webpage.
