NEW ORLEANS (July 26, 2017) - Culture Collision, a one-of-a-kind Big Easy celebration, is partnering with WWNO and the Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans (CAC) to relocate the ninth-annual event, which will allow its directors to accommodate an ever-growing roster of nonprofit visual and performing arts organizations. Slated for Wednesday, August 30, from 5:30 - 8 p.m., Culture Collision 9 (CC9) has already confirmed more than 80 participating nonprofits and will take place in the first-floor warehouse space of the CAC. The event is free, open to the public, and guests can access the event from the Camp Street entrance.

In its annual kickoff of the cultural season, Culture Collision will introduce potential audience members, volunteers, patrons and artists to the diverse mix of arts groups that call New Orleans home. The event arose in 2008 due to the city's need for a collective voice among local arts organizations, and today, remains steadfast in its mission to foster collaboration among those nonprofits.

"Many amazing institutions, most recently The National World War II Museum, have played host to Culture Collision over the years," said Jess Civello, Culture Collision co-founder. "As the event has continued to evolve and prove increasingly popular among locals, we've consistently found ourselves outgrowing the host locations. Last year, we had 69 participating organizations, with almost 20 on the waiting list, and more than 1,300 attendees. In order to include all interested groups, we knew it was time to move...again."

Boasting a collective of New Orleans' top arts groups all under one roof and in the largest venue the event has ever called home, CC9 will have something for everyone. Attendees will find the ultimate experience of artistic celebration and schmoozing, with highlights including drink specials, free giveaways and exclusive promotions.
Additionally, select participating organizations will present live performances throughout the evening. This year's entertainment lineup will include: contemporary dance from Melange Dance Company; the vocal stylings of ageless classics by The National World War II Museum's Vic-Tones; a musical number from "Once on the Island," presented by Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre; disco dancing by Disco Amigos; and a special silent video screening from Shotgun Cinema.

Founded by like-minded arts lovers Jess Civello and Janet Wilson, Culture Collision was created to raise awareness of the significant impact that the culture industry has on the local community while also providing New Orleans' arts and culture organizations with a platform for collaboration and promotion. Civello, currently a senior account executive at DEVENEY, continues advocating on behalf of the arts while also working with a variety of lifestyle clients, including Bayou Rum, Windsor Court Hotel and The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk. With more than 15 years of experience in arts administration, Wilson is currently working on a new community development project designed to support local visual and performing artists.

Street parking and other pay lots are located throughout the neighborhood. More information is available at culturenola.com.

About Culture Collision
Culture Collision was created to provide New Orleans' arts and culture organizations with a collective voice, as well as a platform for collaboration and promotion. CC9 is hosted by WWNO and sponsored by DEVENEY and The Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans. It is organized by a planning committee representing DEVENEY, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, New Orleans Ballet Association, New Orleans Museum of Art, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Southern Rep and WWNO.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Jess Civello
jess@culturenola.com