This 90,000-sq-ft space was established by the Arts Council of New Orleans to bring working artists and lovers of art together. By providing artists with affordable studio spaces, the project hopes to foster a continuation of the city’s growing arts scene, even as rents go up around town. The Arts Council hopes to promote the local arts by keeping the facility open to the public, thus giving visitors the opportunity to witness art being created. Tourists who appreciate art are the obvious target audience here. It’s an interesting idea, and a positive step for the city as it attempts to rebuild its tourist-based economy without going down the Mickey Mouse route.
