Discover the rich history and vibrant present of the Acadiana Center for the Arts. This institution has been a cornerstone of the community, offering a diverse range of artistic experiences and educational opportunities. Join us as we explore its 50th anniversary and the exciting events and initiatives that lie ahead.

Celebrating 50 Years of Artistic Legacy

AcA's 50th Anniversary: A Journey of Growth and Impact

The Acadiana Arts Council was established in 1975, laying the foundation for what would become the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Over the years, it has expanded its vision and programming, evolving into a permanent home on November 1, 2010. This center is now the Arts Council for the region, providing Lafayette and the Acadiana region with an array of artistic offerings. It showcases incredible performances from around the world, high-quality shows, and promotes local and regional artists. It serves as a space for various art forms such as visual arts, performing arts, music, dance, and theatre. It also hosts social events, debates, and civic presentations that benefit the entire community.Sam Oliver has served as the Executive Director for six years. In our original interview with him, we learned about his educational background and what led him to serve the AcA. Taylor Davis has been on the board for the past ten years and was first exposed to the AcA at its first show, which brought Lyle Lovett to Lafayette. He considers his service a "labor of love" and regularly enjoys live music with his wife.The James Devin Moncus Theater offers a superb sound system upgraded this year, with a seating capacity of 304 seats. There truly isn't a bad seat in the house!Now is an excellent time to join or renew your AcA membership. You'll receive early bird access to tickets for 2025's in-demand performances before they go on sale to the general public. Yearly memberships start at , with higher levels for those who want to support the organization more.The AcA's 2025 Louisiana Crossroads series will feature performers like Steve Khan, Louis Michot, and C.J. Chenier celebrating Clifton Chenier's 100th birthday. Scott Mulvahill will lead a full album length playthrough of Paul Simon's Graceland album, featuring Acadiana artists with Zydeco and accordion music. George Porter Jr. will round out the year.In January 2025, the "The Roots of Fire Live" two-night concert will bring local Cajun and Creole together on stage. Other big name acts include Lucinda Williams, Andrew Duhon, Ruthie Foster, and Kat Higgins.The AcA is offering several perks to enhance your experience. Downtown parking can be a challenge, but the AcA provides free parking with a ticket at the parking lot across from Chase Tower on Jefferson Street. After a show, you can enjoy pre-show discounts at downtown restaurants like Vestal and Pop's Poboys. The AcA has also partnered with restaurants like Pamplona and Ton's Downtown, which will stay open later on show nights to offer post-show cocktails.To ensure a lineup of performances that pleases its patrons, the AcA conducted a survey asking for the types of acts desired by the community. Sam Oliver said, "Putting together a 50th anniversary season had to be not just good, but something that our audience and our supporters really resonate with. We actually put out a survey where we said to members of ACA, tell us what you want to see."In honor of the upcoming 50th anniversary, on December 7, 2024, the Pelican Ball will honor five people who have made an impact. One of the founders, Janet Begneaud, was an active participant in the original Arts Council in 1975 and will be recognized for her early work. Sharon Moss, a philanthropist, Todd Mouton, who founded the Louisiana Crossroads series 24 years ago, and Cathy Webre and Jody Nedervelde, who played significant roles in downtown development, will also be honored.A highlight of the Pelican Ball is the auctioning off of two special pelicans. The blank pelican is highly desirable as it offers the opportunity for customization.Artie, a Ghost Pelican purchased in 2023 through the Acadiana Center for the Arts by Annie and Joe Spell and commissioned by Tides Medical's Sarah Marr, is a unique addition. According to Tides Medical's Facebook Page, "Artie, in his wisdom, is a pelican of many talents and curiosities. He meditates daily, enjoys the harmonica, is pursuing a master's in philosophy, and winds down with an ice-cold IPA at the local microbrewery. We are so proud to house him at our headquarters to inspire all who see him to 'ride the wave that is life.'"There are currently 89 Pelicans on Parade around town. The idea started to recognize schools where the AcA's programs were active, and students participated in decorating them. Now, businesses can sponsor pelicans to support the AcA's art and education work. The annual Pelican Ball is the only venue to bid on your own pelican.Admission to the Pelican Ball on December 7 is 5 per ticket. Dress is black tie optional, but "dancing shoes are mandatory!"Besides the Pelican Ball, the AcA hosts two yearly signature events: Gulf Brew in October and a Spring Jazz Brunch at the beautiful home of Kip and Carolyn Schumacher. Throughout the year, there are 100 events held at the AcA.The Louisiana Music Museum is a big project in the works, set to begin construction in 2025. It will be located next to the ACA in the Lafayette Hardware Store, a National Historic Register building. The project started in 2021, and significant progress has been made on the design. Jane Vidrine was recently hired as the director. Sam Oliver said, "This project is about telling the story of Louisiana's music and musicians who have made an impact worldwide through melodies. We want to build a place to connect people to our culture and help them understand its impact."Taylor shared, "I would really like to communicate how important our cultural economy is to this community. Festival Acadiens, Festival International, and all our festivals are not just fun and games. They are our economy. The cultural economy is unique to Louisiana, and the Louisiana Music Museum will be a big conversation about sharing our cultural economy with the world."The AcA brings equitable access to the arts through year-round education and outreach activities. PACE (Primary Academic and Creative Experiences) assists schools in teaching the arts and other academic areas. Each year, the AcA's Teaching Artists provide lessons in 546 preK–3rd grade classrooms weekly. These lessons offer courses that schools couldn't otherwise afford due to limited budgets.The Student Arts Expo is a one-day festival each Spring where students perform or exhibit their visual artwork. It's the premier arts event where you can see the best artworks created by the AcA Teaching Artists.The public can visit the AcA for general admission. One current exhibit through January 2025 is the George Loli exhibition. You can also get passes to the AcA, Vermilionville, the Science Museum, and the Hillard Museum at the Lafayette Parish Public Library.For more information, visit https://acadianacenterforthearts.org/.