Mon - Sat 10 - 6
Aiming to revive and reclaim a historically-significant corridor of in Central City, Ashe Cultural Arts Center is a gathering place for emerging and established artists to create and present their works. The 6,600-square-foot facility presents visual and performance art by influential African-American artists such as Martin Payton and local theatre groups including Chakula Cha Jua Theater Company. Ashe also sponsors seminars and lectures that address social and artist issues relevant to the African American community.
Ashe comes from a Yoruban word that closely translates to “amen.†Ashe not only attracts and inspires artists but activates the artistic, creative and entrepreneurial possibilities available in the community. From children to seniors, the organization works to involve the entire community and also features storytelling, poetry, music, dance and photography. Other events have included plays about racism, film screenings of African-American documentaries and weekly samba, drumming and wellness clinics.
Perched in the heart of Central City, Ashe has a number of partners including: Enterprise Corporation of the Delta, Higher Ground Fund and New Orleans Musicians Clinic. Ashe is run by Efforts of Grace, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to promote, produce and create programs, activities and works that emphasize positive contributions African-Americans make to their communities. The organization is led by writer, producer and planner Carol Bebelle and community artist Douglass Redd.