It all begins with an idea. I wanted to help artists improve their presence, create shows, and explore their dreams through the arts. Someone believed in that idea—and showed me love and support. From that moment, the ball started rolling—and it hasn’t stopped since.

N’awlins Art House was born out of a desire to empower artists, especially artists of color, by giving them tools to shape their own narratives and spaces. We ask bold questions: How do we, as artists of color, compete for gallery exhibits? How do we create compelling work with limited resources? How can we transform creative energy into sustainable careers?

As the Artistic Director of N’awlins Art House, I make decisions rooted in cultural pride, creative strategy, and a commitment to legacy. Our mission is to bridge the gap between art and opportunity by producing dynamic exhibitions, hosting artist workshops, and offering real education in the business of art.

N’awlins Art House is more than a collective—it’s a movement. A place where vision meets action, where dreams find structure, and where artists learn to stand on their own while lifting each other up. We believe in community, in creativity as a tool for liberation, and in the lasting power of culture-driven storytelling.

N’awlin’s Art House serves and strengthens the community:

Grant Writing & Funding Support
Assists artists, creatives, and community organizations in identifying funding opportunities and preparing competitive grant proposals to help bring artistic and community projects to life.

Artist Portfolio Development
Helps emerging and established artists build professional portfolios, artist statements, resumes, and presentation materials that increase opportunities for exhibitions, commissions, residencies, and funding.

Creative Arts Workshops
Offers hands-on workshops in visual arts, creative expression, and professional development that inspire creativity, build skills, and engage youth and adults alike.

Community Arts Programming
Creates inclusive arts experiences that bring neighbors together through exhibitions, cultural events, collaborative projects, and public art initiatives that celebrate local talent and heritage.

Mentorship & Career Development for Artists
Provides guidance, networking opportunities, and one-on-one mentorship to help artists navigate the creative economy, grow sustainable careers, and expand their professional reach.

Creative Placemaking & Cultural Advocacy
Partners with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders to use art as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization, cultural preservation, and increased access to the arts for all residents.

How N’awlins Art House Creates Change

For generations, many artists of color have faced systemic barriers that have limited access to funding, professional networks, exhibition opportunities, mentorship, and arts education. These inequities have often resulted in underrepresentation in galleries, museums, leadership positions, and other spaces where artistic careers are developed and celebrated. As a result, many talented creatives have had fewer opportunities to build sustainable careers, preserve their cultural narratives, and receive the recognition they deserve.

N’awlins Art House was established to help change that reality. We believe that every artist deserves equitable access to the resources, knowledge, and opportunities needed to thrive. Our mission is to empower artists and creative entrepreneurs—particularly those from historically underserved and underrepresented communities—by providing the tools, guidance, and support necessary to build successful and sustainable careers.

We create meaningful impact by:

Advocating for Equity in the Arts by partnering with community organizations, cultural institutions, and local leaders to increase access, amplify historically underrepresented voices, and ensure that communities of color are fully represented in the cultural landscape.

Our vision is an arts community where talent—not barriers—determines opportunity. By investing in artists of color and expanding access to resources, N’awlins Art House is helping create a more inclusive, equitable, and vibrant creative economy where every artist has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and valued.

-Theresa Crushshon

Contact: NawlinsArtHouse@gmail.com

Image Credit: Big Chief Victor Harris, Fi Yi Yi Spirit of the Mandingo Warriors