Photo by Curt Youngblood
New Orleans music, the root of the city’s identity and a driving force behind its economy, is an expression of a unique American culture perpetuated today by approximately 4,500 men and women. These tradition bearers practice a functional art that unites and strengthens communities. For generations, they have transmitted this culture to family and neighbors, however, they struggle to access public assistance and musical infrastructure. The future of the culture depends on their sustainability.
Sweet Home New Orleans helps musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, and Social Aid & Pleasure Club members get on their feet, earn money from their art, and pass on our city’s unique cultural traditions. We’ve helped more than 4,000 members of New Orleans’ music community, by providing over $3 million in targeted financial assistance, offering music business education and pro-bono legal access, and connecting clients to resources they need to sustain themselves. Sweet Home offers a new model of advocacy, empowering artists to get to work and revitalize the city.
Sweet Home’s mission is to support the individuals and organizations that perpetuate New Orleans’ unique musical and cultural traditions.
Sweet Home New Orleans & Renew Our Music Fund, Inc. began its operations as two individual organizations. Renew Our Music began operating immediately after the levees gave way in 2005 to provide crucial financial assistance to displaced artists. Sweet Home New Orleans formed in 2006 as a collaborative effort to help musicians return home and find housing. From 2006-2008, the two entities operated side-by-side in the historic Treme neighborhood, steps from Congo Square, the spiritual birthplace of New Orleans music.
Photo by L.A. Reno
Sweet Home New Orleans merged with Renew Our Music Fund in 2008 to create a one-stop service center for New Orleans’ music and cultural community. We support the revitalization and sustainability of our music and cultural community through individual case management, counseling, legal assistance, advocacy, and music business education.