BATON ROUGE, La. – Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development today announced the opening of the 2026 application cycle for the Louisiana Cultural Districts Program. Beginning May 4, communities across the state may submit a Letter of Interest – the first step in the program’s two-stage application process – to become officially designated Cultural Districts. Existing Cultural Districts may also apply for boundary changes during this cycle.
“In Louisiana, our culture is not only our identity – it’s one of our strongest economic drivers,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “The Cultural Districts Program helps communities turn their local history, art, and traditions into real opportunity – attracting investment, supporting small businesses, and creating places people want to visit and call home. When we invest in our historic downtowns and cultural corridors, we’re strengthening local economies and preserving what makes Louisiana unlike anywhere else.”
The Louisiana Cultural Districts Program supports communities in showcasing their unique cultural assets while advancing local revitalization and driving both cultural and economic development. Approved districts gain access to:
- State historic tax credits for eligible rehabilitation expenses on income-producing historic properties
- Technical assistance from cultural development professionals
- Official designation as a Louisiana Cultural District
Following the Letter of Interest phase, selected applicants will be invited to submit full applications beginning June 1, 2026.
Interested parties are encouraged to review program guidelines and prepare their submissions in advance of the application deadline. To apply or find out more, visit the Louisiana Cultural Districts webpage.