More About Us

Founded in 2001, the South Louisiana Center for the Arts (SoLa) is a nonprofit dedicated to making the performing arts accessible to children and teens while enriching our community through creativity and connection.

Each year, students ages 8–17 participate in three fully staged musicals as well as theatre workshops and classes. These experiences help young people build confidence, develop communication skills, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Many discover new passions that continue into college and beyond.

We believe the arts—whether visual, musical, theatrical, culinary, or dance—are essential to human expression, cultural understanding, and lifelong learning. Research shows that students engaged in the arts perform better academically, yet opportunities in local schools are limited. SoLa helps fill that gap by providing high-quality arts education led by experienced faculty in a supportive environment.

Our work is made possible by the Louisiana Division of the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the generosity of community supporters. Together, we’re inspiring creativity, nurturing talent, and building a vibrant future for the arts in South Louisiana.