New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Foundation
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, established in 1970, owns the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and supports music and culture through various year-round programs.
History
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation was established in 1970. The Foundation owns the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell. The proceeds from Jazz Fest are utilized by the Foundation for year-round programs that support music and culture in New Orleans and Louisiana.
Educational Programs
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation operates the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, which includes classrooms, an auditorium, and a recording studio. It also runs the Don 'Moose' Jamison Heritage School of Music, providing free music education. The Sync Up program offers educational and business development sessions for the entertainment industry.
Grants and Funding
The Foundation provides Community Partnership Grants to support music and art education programs, cultural events, and new artistic works. The Jazz & Heritage Music Relief Fund supports Louisiana musicians who lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Catapult Fund offers training and investment for entrepreneurs in culinary arts and beauty, fashion, and jewelry industries.
Festivals and Events
The Foundation presents various festivals and events, including the Congo Square Rhythms Festival, which celebrates the music, food, and dance of New Orleans. It also operates the Jazz & Heritage Concert Series, featuring local and visiting artists. The Fiesta Latina event celebrates the influence of Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, and Central and South American cultures in New Orleans.
Community Engagement
The Foundation's community engagement initiatives include the Class Got Brass competition, supporting music education in schools and promoting traditional brass band music. The Tom Dent Congo Square Lecture Series engages artists and thinkers in dialogue on culture and commerce. The Community Outreach Ticket Program provides free Jazz Fest tickets to Louisiana-based nonprofits that offer direct social services.