NEW ORLEANS – Culture Collision, a one-night-only celebration of New Orleans’ arts, takes place tonight, Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at The National WWII Museum's U.S. Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
In its 8th year, Culture Collision 8 (CC8) is a collaborative voice among arts organizations, remaining steadfast in its mission to foster nonprofit visual and performing arts groups in the New Orleans metro-area.
The event boasts a roster of 70 nonprofit visual and performing arts organizations, live performances, American Sector happy hour specials, free giveaways, flood relief outlets and is free and open to the public.
An annual tradition, Culture Collision kicks off the cultural season in New Orleans with a unique happy hour devoted to one goal – introducing potential audience members, volunteers, patrons and artists to the diverse mix of arts that the city has to offer.
Organizers said tonight’s CC8 will provide the ultimate experience of artistic celebration and schmoozing with happy hour specials, free giveaways and exclusive promotions. Additionally, four participating organizations will present live performances throughout the evening. This year’s entertainment lineup includes: Dancing Grounds, OperaCreole, The National WWII Museum’s Victory Belles, and a jazz ensemble from the Xavier University Department of Music.
New this year, The American Sector + Bar at The National WWII Museum joins the festivities, offering a specialty Culture Collision Cocktail. In addition, happy hour at the restaurant, which features half-price drinks, a selection of small plates and access to their entire menu, will be extended to 9:00 p.m. to accommodate Culture Collision attendees. Free samples of the Culture Collision Cocktail and cash bars will also be available in the U.S. Freedom Center: The Boeing Center, throughout the event.
According to the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, the statewide culture industries generate over $1 billion dollars a year and employ more than 150,000 Louisiana residents. With a $6 return on every $1 spent on the arts in Louisiana, there’s no denying that arts and culture have a significant economic impact throughout the state, and New Orleans is no exception.
Founded in 2008 by like-minded arts lovers Jess Brown and Janet Wilson, Culture Collision was created to raise awareness of the significant impact that the culture industry has on the local community, as well as provide New Orleans’ arts and culture organizations with a platform for collaboration and promotion. Brown, currently a senior account executive at DEVENEY, continues advocating on behalf of the arts while also working with a variety of lifestyle clients, including Bayou Rum, Windsor Court Hotel and The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk. With more than 14 years of experience in arts administration, Wilson serves as the executive director of Funny Bones Improv, a nonprofit dedicated to sharing the gift of laughter with sick children in hospitals across Chicago and New Orleans through volunteer comedy improvisation performances.
CC8 is hosted by WWNO and sponsored by DEVENEY, Dirty Coast, The National WWII Museum and Yelp. It is organized by a planning committee representing the Arts Council of New Orleans, DEVENEY, Funny Bones Improv, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, New Orleans Ballet Association, New Orleans Opera Association, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Southern Rep and WWNO.
Paid parking for CC8 is available in the new WWII parking garage, which is located directly across from the museum on Magazine Street. Additional parking is available in the paid lot at the corner of Magazine Street and Andrew Higgins. Street parking and other non-museum pay lots are also located throughout the neighborhood.
