As a team of makers, we at Leroy’s Place understand the impact that a supportive community, and access to resources, can have on artists. We know that big ideas take many creative hands, tools, and materials. Big projects require big spaces to create in. The experimental designs, myriad of materials, and the sheer scale of some creations demand a large workspace and a team of creative folks. Access to space is so often an impossible hurdle for artists… Through a tucked away warehouse with a big vision, Court 13 Arts has helped to facilitate some of our most ambitious projects to date.
A Haven for Creativity: Jacques’ Journey with Court 13 Arts
The Court 13 Arts mission is to “cultivate and sustain the city’s artistic and cinematic culture by enhancing visual literacy, promoting creative education, and encouraging community-driven collaboration.” In an effort to create a space for community driven creative projects, Court 13 Arts established their headquarters on Franklin Avenue, featuring six studio spaces. Jacques — the current Artist in Residence — has been able to build his workshop inside this imaginative incubator. There he has had the space to experiment with designs, work with (and mentor) other artists, and create some of his largest puppets to date, like Fronda, our 20 foot swamp monster.
In addition to Jacques workshop, the studios include The Community Print Shop and Dark Room, which is open to the public. The Court 13 Arts HQ is more than just studio space; it’s a community for artists.
Serene Joins Court 13 Board of Directors
This year, Serene Bacigalupi, Founder and Co-Creative Director of Leroy’s Place, is proud to take a position on the Board of Directors of Court 13 Arts, alongside some amazing folks. (Congratulations to new Executive Director, Jillian Oliveras!) We are looking forward to the opportunity to help foster this great organization’s mission and support their programming.
If you are in the New Orleans, check out GAP TOOTH CINEMA every Wed at the Broad Theater!
It takes a village!
Now more than ever, arts-based non-profits need our support.
Consider donating to Court 13 Arts on GIVE NOLA Day! Tues. May 6th
Spotlight on Court 13 Co-Founder, Benh Zeitlin
A New York City native, Benh Zeitlin’s passion for storytelling led him to co-found the independent filmmaking collective, Court 13, during his time at Wesleyan University. His directorial debut, “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” is an incredible film that received critical acclaim and showcased his commitment to community-driven art. Following the film’s success, Benh established Court 13 Arts to give back to the Louisiana artists who were instrumental in bringing his cinematic visions to life.
Thank You To Court 13!
It’s partnerships like these that help artists like us dream bigger, create more boldly, and connect more with our community. As we continue to craft stories through puppetry, we are proud to align our mission with great organizations like Court 13 Arts that work so hard to support the arts and artists in New Orleans!
For more on our creative endeavors in New Orleans and beyond, follow us on Instagram.
