"VOLUNTEERISM and CITIZEN SERVICE must lead Louisiana's recovery effort." -Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu The Louisiana Serve Commission is pleased to announce Volunteer Louisiana, a website and call center that matches volunteers with service opportunities throughout the state. Visit www.volunteerlouisiana.gov or call 866-286-3835 or 225-342-3070 to find out how you can begin a summer of service.

Impact - Louisiana State Museum The Office of State Museum returns $6.99 for every tax dollar spent. Source: The Impact of the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism on Louisiana's Economy and Quality of Life for Louisiana's Citizens - June 2006 Learn More >>

October 21, 2008

CONTACT:
Denise Quezaire
(225) 342-0958

(Baton Rouge, LA) Culture means business in Louisiana. Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism today announced the launch of the first full-scale World Cultural Economic Forum in New Orleans to build cultural economic development opportunities through the strategic convening of cultural ambassadors and leaders from around the world.

"We have invited leaders from more than 50 countries to Louisiana to discuss best practices for growing cultural industries as a key segment of a global economy at this year's World Cultural Economic Forum," said Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu. "We have a strong and diverse economy in Louisiana, and we are in a position to be the driving force behind a spirit of innovation that will grow jobs through culture. Together, we will build economic opportunities by supporting creative and cultural industries such as food, music, film and art. We invite you all to join us in Louisiana throughout the month of October for 'Passport' events that will showcase our authentic culture in venues across the state. On October 30 through November 1st, I invite you to join us in New Orleans for the WCEF and the World Marketplace and Bazaar at the Morial Convention Center."

The WCEF shines the light on Louisiana's cultural industries and showcases its unique heritage and cultural assets with three key components including:
- Two-day forum at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans Oct. 30-31 for world cultural economy leaders from more than 50 countries to discuss best practices for growing cultural industries

World leaders from Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Greece, India, Iraq, Jamaica, Mexico, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa, Spain, St. Vincent & The Grenadines, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom will be among those representing more than 50 countries at the WCEF. The Lugano Group, Inc has worked with the Louisiana Office of the Lt. Governor and the Dept. of Culture, Recreation and Tourism to extend partnerships in the international business sector.

George Pataki, former Governor of the state of New York, and Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, Culture Ambassador for the European Union, France are among those leading breakout sessions during the two-day Forum. Louisiana also hopes to feature a few of its favorite sons on the program including Chef John Folse and musician Tim McGraw.

The WCEF World Bazaar & Marketplace to be held in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on Oct. 30-Nov. 1st will give the public an opportunity to support the creative and cultural industries of both worldwide artists and those from Louisiana. Artisans and vendors from all five cultural regions of Louisiana in addition to many from the over 50 countries participating in WCEF will be featured during the three-day World Bazaar & Marketplace.

Earlier in September, Lt. Gov. Landrieu announced the award of $266,307 for 112 WCEF Passport Event grants throughout Louisiana. Passport Events are being held in 26 parishes during the month of October and highlight Louisiana's unique heritage and culture to national and international visitors coming to Louisiana for the WCEF. Some of the events receiving funding include:
- Fiddlin' on the River with Amanda Shaw at the Louisiana Art & Science Museum in Baton Rouge, with a screening of award-winning documentary film "Hurricane on the Bayou."