Culture Gig Economy

We are creating paid opportunities that preserve New Orleans culture by putting culture bearers—our artists, tradition keepers, and community leaders—at the heart of everything we do.

The Culture Gig Economy is our job creation initiative focused on supporting the people who make New Orleans culture what it is—Masking Indians, Baby Dolls, musicians, Social Aid & Pleasure Club members, and other tradition keepers.

Culture bearers are not just hired to perform—they are at the heart of every moving piece. From building and leading cultural programs, performing at events like our For the Love of Culture Fest, teaching in youth programs, hosting workshops, and contributing to our Get Lit Stay Lit resilience efforts, they are the creative force driving it all. Their work keeps our traditions visible, respected, and rooted where they belong.

We also invest in the next generation through our Young Keepers of the Culture program. Culture bearers mentor, teach, and guide youth—offering hands-on experiences rooted in tradition. Participants build knowledge, confidence, creative skills, teamwork, and a deep respect for the culture. They also receive authentic exposure to cultural practices from those who live it. These intergenerational connections ensure that traditions remain alive and evolving, while staying grounded in the communities they come from.

Through these events, workshops, and programs, we create spaces where culture bearers, neighbors, visitors, and culture lovers from all backgrounds come together to experience, learn from, and celebrate the richness of New Orleans culture. This work strengthens cultural preservation by making sure it is supported, shared, and carried forward by those who embody it.

We value the expertise, hard work, and dedication of our cultural leaders. Through Culture Works Pathway, we’re not just creating gigs—we’re helping sustain New Orleans’ culture through real economic opportunity.