FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2017
OPELOUSAS SELECTED FOR NATIONAL CREATIVE PLACEMAKING PROJECT
Opelousas Cultural District to Partner with Music Ensemble
Opelousas, Louisiana has been selected as one of two Cultural Districts in Louisiana to participate in Sound Places, a creative placemaking program centered around the performing arts. This pilot program, developed by Chamber Music America (CMA), the Louisiana Division of the Arts (LDOA), and Project for Public Spaces (PPS), with support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), is funding two ensembles to engage in meaningful ways with the civic fabric of two of Louisiana’s Cultural Districts.
Opelousas will host WindSync, a Houston-based wind quintet, for a series of chamber music-infused placemaking events and activities throughout 2017. The ensemble’s first visit will take place on January 30 through February 1, during which District staff and members of WindSync will work together with the local community as well as representatives from CMA, LDOA, and PPS to create a unique program utilizing the ensemble’s skills and talents in addressing community development goals in Opelousas. The workshops are scheduled to take place at the Delta Grand Theatre in Opelousas.
Selected ensembles and host communities are working together to develop customized, music-infused placemaking activities unique to the locations and ensembles selected, such as interactive performances, artist-led discussions, public space activations, and more. Also during 2017, the Rivertown Kenner Cultural District is hosting The Westerlies, a Brooklyn-based brass quartet.
While the creative placemaking movement is gaining momentum around the globe, it is most often associated with the visual arts rather than the performing arts. Small ensembles are perfect for reaching out to communities; they are portable, don't require sets or costumes, can perform in flexible spaces, and provide audiences with the opportunity to experience live music in their own neighborhoods. The values of placemaking – improving livability, galvanizing community involvement, and addressing the needs of a particular place – perfectly match the goal of chamber music ensemble residencies: engaging audiences beyond the concert hall experience.
For more information, call 337-948-5227 or email
Sound Place Partners
ABOUT OPELOUSAS
Opelousas, Louisiana’s 3rd oldest city, was established by the French in 1720. The town will celebrate its tricentennial in 2020. Named the Home of Zydeco Music, Opelousas is also the birthplace of the King of Zydeco, Clifton Chenier.
ABOUT WINDSYNC
WindSync is strongly committed to educational enrichment and promoting arts engagement through concerts dedicated to inspiring children, members of the community, and audiences with disabilities. Set in diverse spaces including concert halls, museums, outdoor venues, libraries, hospitals, and schools WindSync has been featured in educational performances presented by The Seattle Symphony Orchestra, The Midland Symphony Orchestra, and the Rockport Chamber Music Festival. As the 2013 Music for Autism "Spotlight Artist," WindSync traveled to five cities across the United States performing concerts specifically developed to provide a safe environment for children or individuals on the autistic spectrum and their families.
ABOUT CHAMBER MUSIC AMERICA
Chamber Music America is the national organization for ensemble music professionals. Its membership of 6,000 includes ensembles, presenters, artist managers, composers, educators and others in the national chamber music community. CMA provides the field with an array of programs and services such as direct financial support through grants, professional development resources, and—through its National Conference and interactive website—opportunities to connect with chamber music professionals and audiences across the country.
CMA defines chamber music as music for small ensembles, between two and ten musicians, with one musician per part, generally without a conductor. Styles of chamber music include Western European and non-Western classical and contemporary, jazz, electronic, and evolving forms. Ensembles may be instrumental or vocal, acoustic or amplified.
ABOUT THE LOUISIANA DIVISION OF THE ARTS
The Division of the Arts has served Louisiana’s arts community since 1977 by providing programs, services and support to individual artists and a variety of arts and cultural organizations. Work in arts and culture support jobs, tourism and education while stimulating creativity, leadership, economic vitality and enhancing quality of life. The LDOA Manages a variety of grant programs, partnerships, and services for nonprofit cultural organizations, schools, communities and artists, including the statewide Cultural District Program.
ABOUT PPS
Project for Public Spaces (PPS) is a nonprofit planning, design and educational organization dedicated to helping people create and sustain public spaces that build stronger communities. Our pioneering Placemaking approach helps citizens transform their public spaces into vital places that highlight local assets, spur rejuvenation and serve common needs.
PPS was founded in 1975. They have since completed projects in more than 3000 communities in 43 countries and all 50 U.S. states and are the premier center for best practices, information and resources on placemaking. More than 900 people worldwide are members of our Placemaking Leadership Council.