The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) is marking a monumental milestone—50 years of shaping the next generation of artists—with the 2025 ART&SOUL “Golden Gala.” Set for Saturday, May 17, this highly anticipated event, hosted by The NOCCA Foundation and The Meraux Foundation, promises a dazzling evening of live performances, culinary delights, and immersive artistic experiences, all in support of NOCCA’s mission to nurture young talent.
A Night of Music, Art, and Celebration
The ART&SOUL Golden Gala will bring together some of NOCCA’s most distinguished alumni alongside current students for a night of unparalleled entertainment. The lineup includes performances by jazz vocalist Sasha Masakowski, the high-energy sounds of Big Sam’s Funky Nation, and a special showcase by Preservation Hall. Attendees can also expect surprise guest appearances from NOCCA alumni, adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening.
Beyond the music, the gala will feature live art experiences, including portrait sketches by NOCCA’s Visual Arts students and on-the-spot poetry crafted by Creative Writing students. Culinary Arts students and faculty will collaborate with renowned local chefs to curate a gourmet dining experience, ensuring that the evening is a feast for the senses.
Proceeds from the gala will directly benefit The NOCCA Foundation, which provides essential funding for student scholarships, classroom resources, and the school’s renowned Artists-in-Residence program. Executive Director Adonis Rose, a NOCCA alumnus himself, emphasized the importance of the event’s fundraising efforts: “This gala not only celebrates NOCCA’s incredible legacy but also ensures that future generations of artists have the resources and opportunities to pursue their dreams.”
NOCCA’s impact on the arts world is undeniable, boasting an impressive roster of alumni, including Jon Batiste, Harry Connick Jr., Trombone Shorty, Wynton Marsalis, and Wendell Pierce. The institution continues to serve as a launching pad for young artists, offering rigorous training in music, visual arts, theater, creative writing, and more while maintaining an outstanding academic track record—95 to 98 percent of NOCCA graduates go on to pursue higher education, with nearly 80 percent receiving scholarships.
Get Your Tickets
Tickets for the ART&SOUL Golden Gala are now available at ArtAndSoulNOCCA.com. Guests can choose from multiple ticketing options:
- $250 Patron Party Ticket: Includes early access from 6–7:30 p.m., a special performance by Sasha Masakowski, exclusive auction previews, and general gala admission.
- $100 Gala Ticket: Grants access from 7:30–10 p.m., featuring live performances, a gourmet buffet, and specialty cocktails provided by Sazerac/Goldring Family Foundation.
- $50 NOCCA Alumni Ticket: Limited availability, providing entry to both the gala and the exclusive Alumni After-Party from 10 p.m. to midnight.
For those unable to attend, there are additional opportunities to support NOCCA through sponsorships and donations, with details available on the event website.
A Legacy of Excellence
Since its first graduating class in 1975, NOCCA has grown into a world-renowned institution dedicated to artistic and academic excellence. With more than 25 alumni now serving as faculty, the school has fostered a deep, lasting community committed to nurturing young creatives. The NOCCA Foundation continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring the school’s future, providing funding, resources, and advocacy to maintain NOCCA’s status as the gold standard in arts education.
ART&SOUL 2025 is chaired by Ashley and Tim Francis, Stephanie and Terrance Osborne, Elise and Matt Ryan, and Sharonda R. Williams. Major sponsors include The Meraux Foundation, Hancock Whitney Bank, Sazerac/Goldring Family Foundation, and The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com.
For more information about NOCCA, The NOCCA Foundation, and how to support the school’s mission, visit NOCCAFoundation.org.
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