The Ella Project has been approved for a $25,000 Grants for Arts Projects award from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support the organization’s ongoing pro bono legal services, and a new partnership with the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston to create a new pilot version of the Crescendo Music Business Intensive Workshop series to both musicians of New Orleans and Boston.

This new version of Crescendo, a  series of workshops focusing on career development in the music business for both new artists and veteran independent musicians. Designed by attorney Briana Whetstone and musician Lou Hill, the updated program will feature artists and guest presenters from along with shared resources and tips in both New Orleans and Boston. The program will premiere in fall 2022.

The Ella Project’s work is among 1,248 projects across America totaling $28,840,000 that were selected to receive this first round of fiscal year 2022 funding in the Grants for Arts Projects category.

“The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support arts projects like this one from The Ella Project that help support the community’s creative economy,” said Ann Eilers, acting chair of the NEA. “The Ella Project in New Orleans is among the arts organizations nationwide that are using the arts as a source of strength, a path to well-being, and providing access and opportunity for people to connect and find joy through the arts.”

“The Ella Project’s legal services continue to provide vital information and fierce advocacy to the artists of Louisiana, regardless of their ability to pay,” says cofiunder Gene Meneray. “Support from the National Endowment for the Arts, along with our other supporters, is essential to continue to level the playing field to ensure that our Louisiana artists can compete on a level playing field in the modern cultural economy, and we are honored and humbled to continue this work. We are likewise incredibly proud of our Crescendo Music Business Program, and see great opportunities to partner with this training with the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston and develop new opportunities, collaborations, and partnerships with musicians from both communities.”

The Ella Project was launched in 2004 as a partnership of the Arts Council of New Orleans, Tipitina’s Foundation, and Tulane Law School to provide direct pro bono legal services to moderate income Louisiana artists, musicians and grassroots nonprofits. In 2016, with more than 3000 clients served, The Ella Project became an independent 501c3 nonprofit, with an expanded dedication to provide pro bono legal assistance, arts business services, and advocacy to the cultural community.

For more information about The Ella Project, visit here.