NOCCA Foundation

The NOCCA Foundation is the nonprofit partner of the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, Louisiana’s arts conservatory for high school students. The Foundation strengthens NOCCA’s learning environment, supports students and faculty, and expands access to outstanding arts experiences for the community. Your support helps power Louisiana's next generation of artists.

NOCCA delivers world-class training in 11 disciplines — from jazz and drama to filmmaking and culinary arts. Admission is audition-based, with no academic requirements or tuition. Students participate in full- or half-day programs, while others attend after-school workshops to refine skills and prepare for college. Representing 75+ schools across 30+ parishes, NOCCA brings together extraordinary and diverse talent.

Your support is essential. GiveNOLA Day gifts fund financial aid for students' supplies and college prep, plus an Artists-in-Residence Program that brings 100+ visiting artists into NOCCA's classrooms each year. The Foundation also advances capital projects and community initiatives, ensuring that NOCCA remains the gold-standard in arts education for generations to come.

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)