Ashé Cultural Arts Center—An Initiative of Efforts of Grace, Inc.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center is an initiative of Efforts of Grace, Inc., a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3), organization that creates and supports programs, activities, and creative works emphasizing the contributions of people of African descent. Located in Central City New Orleans, the Center provides opportunities for art presentations, community development, artist support, and the creation of partnerships that amplify outreach and support efforts.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center offers a range of orignal theater works that are available for touring, and provides sponsorship for many private, public community-focused, and family oriented events. The Origin of Life on Earth: An African Creation Myth tells the story of how Earth and the first people were created according to Yoruba Culture of West Africa. The 13 Lessons offers information, challenges, stereotypes, and raises compassion and understanding about adults who struggle with literacy. It effectively calls audiences to accept the mantra that “something must be done.” Swimming Upstream is a powerful theatrical production that tells the raw and soulful stories of women who lived through Hurricanes Katrina and Rita with grace, rage and great resiliency, punctuated by a flair for storytelling, humor and music that comes from being New Orleanian. Using theater, storytelling and improvisation, the Truth Be Told project aims to open conversations in our communities around race and racism. The project is a multi-year collaborative effort by the Ashé Cultural Arts Center and the Contemporary Arts Center, along with many community-based organizations. Story Circle describes the emotions and experiences that have emerged from numerous Truth Be Told Story Circles and meetings held over the past years. Part touching, part tumultuous, Story Circle skillfully documents these attempts to expose, discuss and heal the New Orleans racial divide.
Our current touring works are:
- The Origin of Life On Earth: An African Creation Myth
- Thirteen Lessons
- Swimming Upstream
- Health Nutz
- Story Circle/Truth Be Told
Diaspora Boutique
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Community Programs and Events
Ashé Cultural Arts Center works to involve the entire community, from children to elders, in cultural, community and creative efforts.
