2026 Creative Capital Seminar — February 2026. Registration now open
The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) will celebrate its 50th Birthday over the 2026 & 2027 season, giving each quarter century its own year! In one of many commemorations, the 50th Anniversary Committee The Festival of New Works, which harkens back to the history of the organization, illuminates an early concept of a multidisciplinary exhibition that uplifts artists and illuminates the strong visual art culture of Louisiana.
When the CAC was founded, artists in the South faced the challenge of being overlooked in national conversations. The prevailing notion was that one had to exhibit in New York to be considered a “real” artist. In response, the CAC launched The Festival of New Works in its first year - a bold, experimental platform where unheard voices could be seen and celebrated. It became a defining program of the organization.
For the 50th Anniversary, the CAC will honor this legacy while evolving the Festival to meet the needs of today’s artists and audiences. Festival/New/ Works will shift its artist selection model to emphasize mentorship and intergenerational dialogue. Established visual artists who help found, cultivate, imbue the CACNO with a rich legacy now nominate forward-thinking contemporary artists that inspire these iconic artists today. These rising contemporary artists are celebrated by established artists allowing a conversation generationally that seldom is intersecting in contemporary society in visual art.
The CAC is committed to ensuring that eclectic aesthetics are represented at the forefront of the Festival of New Works.
The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) will celebrate its 50th Birthday over the 2026 & 2027 season, giving each quarter century its own year! In one of many commemorations, the 50th Anniversary Committee The Festival of New Works, which harkens back to the history of the organization, illuminates an early concept of a multidisciplinary exhibition that uplifts artists and illuminates the strong visual art culture of Louisiana.
When the CAC was founded, artists in the South faced the challenge of being overlooked in national conversations. The prevailing notion was that one had to exhibit in New York to be considered a “real” artist. In response, the CAC launched The Festival of New Works in its first year - a bold, experimental platform where unheard voices could be seen and celebrated. It became a defining program of the organization.
For the 50th Anniversary, the CAC will honor this legacy while evolving the Festival to meet the needs of today’s artists and audiences. Festival/New/ Works will shift its artist selection model to emphasize mentorship and intergenerational dialogue. Established visual artists who help found, cultivate, imbue the CACNO with a rich legacy now nominate forward-thinking contemporary artists that inspire these iconic artists today. These rising contemporary artists are celebrated by established artists allowing a conversation generationally that seldom is intersecting in contemporary society in visual art.
The CAC is committed to ensuring that eclectic aesthetics are represented at the forefront of the Festival of New Works.
