NOCCA Foundation

The NOCCA Foundation champions the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, Louisiana's arts conservatory for high school students. We build lasting philanthropic partnerships. We invest in young artists, their mentors, alumni, and the community through programs that encourage educational success and cultural innovation.

The NOCCA Foundation enriches NOCCA's learning environment, supports students and faculty, and brings exceptional arts experiences to the community. When you support us, you empower the next generation of artists!

NOCCA provides world-class arts training in 11 disciplines, from Jazz to Culinary Arts. Admission is by audition, with no academic requirements or tuition. Students attend full- or half-day programs, while others join after-school workshops to refine their skills or prepare for college. With students from 75+ schools across 30+ parishes, NOCCA is a hub of diverse talent.

Your support is vital. GiveNOLA Day gifts fund essential programs like student assistance for supplies, food, and college prep, plus our Artists-in-Residence Program, bringing 100+ professionals into classrooms each year. The Foundation also leads capital projects and community programs, ensuring NOCCA continues to shape the future of the arts.

Testimonials

"During my four years in the Jazz program, I was able to fully fall in love with and hone my craft as a jazz drummer. Being self-taught, I had no knowledge of music theory until I started NOCCA. My instructors made my learning experience easy and fun. This wasn't a hobby. This was my opportunity to continue the cultural tradition of live jazz performance" - Dorian Ketchens (Jazz, Class of 2021)

"Attending NOCCA has helped me build myself into a person that I can look in the mirror and say I love. NOCCA has also given me a taste of what it feels like to work in a creative atmosphere where everyone is working towards the same artistic goal." - Eric Shawn (Musical Theater, Class of 2021)