New Orleans Museum of Art and IBERIABANK announce arts education programs

The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and IBERIABANK recently announced a new city-wide initiative called “Arts Makes Me” aimed at starting a conversation about the long-term benefits of arts education, and how the New Orleans community can make a difference by supporting vital arts education programs for children.

“The benefits of arts education are proven and widespread, but more youth need access to these programs in order for New Orleans to see a lasting change,” said Susan M. Taylor, NOMA’s Director. “We hope to increase the conversation around the importance of art through the ‘Art Makes Me…’ initiative, thanks to IBERIABANK, and engage the entire New Orleans community in that conversation.”

NOMA and IBERIABANK partnered with the hope of helping to support the improvement of literacy and math skills among children of all ages, as well assparking entrepreneurship and building stronger neighborhoods, some of the benefits reportedly associated with arts education programs.

“Supporting culture and arts education are two of IBERIABANK’s primary community focus areas,” said Hunter Hill, New Orleans Market President of IBERIABANK. “Art Makes Me …” is a city-wide initiative that will have a tremendous impact on the lives of thousands of children and we’re excited to be part of it. Our interest is in strengthening the New Orleans community and through programs like this, we’re nurturing young people—-building creative, curious minds of the future.”

Last year, the New Orleans Museum of Art served 11,426 students, but aim to impact 25,000 school-age children and their families annually—over half of all students enrolled in local public schools through ongoing expanded programs.

As part of the Odyssey 2014 celebration, NOMA is hosting a Student Art Contest and Exhibition which is an art contest for students in grades K-12 from Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. Students enrolled in public, private, parochial and home schools are invited to participate.

Winning artists in 1st through 3rd places plus two honorable mention works in four grade level categories will be included in the 2014 Student Art Contest and Exhibition at NOMA and will be invited to attend the Photorealism: The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Collection Artist Talk on Saturday, November 8 at 2:30pm. The winners’ artwork will be on display at NOMA later this fall.

NOMA is also encouraging people to share their favorite art experiences and how important art is to them through social media by using the hash tag #ArtMakesMe. Stories will be posted on a wall in its Creative Concept Studio and award three complimentary twelve-month Family Memberships for the most inspiring stories.

Students can download the entry form from NOMA’s website at www.noma.org. Entries are due October 18.