On Friday, January 9, 2026, the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) will host its 4th Annual NOTCF Honors Gala at the iconic Mardi Gras World. This dynamic celebration recognizes the outstanding individuals and organizations whose work elevates the cultural heartbeat of New Orleans across all sectors—culinary arts, design, entertainment, literary arts and humanities, visual arts and crafts, and cultural preservation. The evening will be a vibrant tribute to the creativity, passion, and enduring legacy of those who shape and share the spirit of our city.
During the gala, honors will be presented in the following categories
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Emerging Artist – 1 honoree representing the rising voices shaping the future of New Orleans culture
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Established Artists – 1 honoree in each of the six cultural sectors: • Culinary Arts • Design • Entertainment • Literary Arts and Humanities • Preservation • Visual Arts and Crafts
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Lifetime Achievement – 1 honoree recognizing a legacy of extraordinary impact and lifelong dedication to the cultural enrichment of New Orleans
Cultural Sectors Descriptions
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CULINARY ARTS: Food-related cultural products, specialty food products, local non-chain restaurants & cafés, Culinary Instructor, Food Manufacturer, Specialty Food Shop, Mobile Vendor, Farm & Community Garden, Chef, and/or Caterer
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DESIGN: Individual designers and firms involved in the communication arts, such as Graphic Designer, Technology, Game/Product Designer, Web Designer/Programmer, Fashion Designer, Costume Designer, Event Designer, Set Designer, Parade Float Designer, and Advertising/PR
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ENTERTAINMENT: The performing arts (music, theater, and dance), individual performers, and the film industries: Actor, Comedian, Dancer, Indians, Marching Club, Musician, Social Aid & Pleasure Club, Film Production, Recording Studio, Music Instructors, and Tour Guides
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LITERARY ARTS AND HUMANITIES: Individual Writers/Editors, books, periodicals, and newspaper publishing: Print Media, Web-based Media, Creative Writer, Blogger, Spoken Word Performer, Journalist, Bookstores, Libraries, and Publishing
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PRESERVATION: Building arts and economic activities focused on the restoration and redevelopment of the built environment, including architecture, landscape architecture, and a percentage of construction activity focused on preservation and renovation: Building Arts Instructor, Architect, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect, Master/Preservation Craftsman
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VISUAL ARTS AND CRAFTS: Individual artists and craftspeople as well as the galleries and museums that present cultural products: Visual Artist, Photographer, Craft or Folk Artist, Jewelry Maker, Art Instructor, Art Gallery, Art Museum, Art Market & Festival, Art Supplier
Nominating Committee
The nominating committee will be comprised of distinguished individuals from the New Orleans cultural and business community, who will carefully evaluate and vote on the slate of nominees.
Nominating Guidelines
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Eligibility Restrictions: Employees and board members of the New Orleans Tourism and Cultural Fund (NOTCF) are ineligible for nomination in any category.
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Nominating Committee Restrictions: Members of the nominating committee are also precluded from being nominated in any category.
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City Office Restrictions: Employees of the City of New Orleans’ Office of Cultural Economy are not eligible for nomination in any category.
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Completion Requirement: Failure to respond to all questions on the nomination form will result in the nomination being voided and will not be considered for recognition in any category.
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Winners’ Participation: Winners must agree to participate in a recorded interview that will be showcased during the gala and consent to having their headshots displayed for promotional purposes.
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Nomination Limit: Only one nomination may be submitted per form.
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Complimentary Ticket: Winners will receive one complimentary ticket to the gala.
Application Review Process
Applications will be reviewed and scored using a matrix comprising five key questions. Scores will be calculated objectively and uniformly, ensuring that decisions are minimized from subjective interpretations or personal experiences.
Nominations Deadline
Nominations must be submitted using this form by 11:59 p.m. on July 7, 2025.
