In October 2008, the World Cultural Economic Forum hosted nearly 700 national and international delegates, including representatives from more than 60 countries, in New Orleans. The two-day Forum afforded participants the opportunity to explore ideas that aim to further the potential of an economy that is fueled by a rich culture.

Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Mitchell J. Landrieu and the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism hosted the event, providing attendees with more than 20 sessions covering a full range of topics. The WCEF also showcased Louisiana/international artists, U.S. and international cultural industry organizations, international exhibits and stage performances ranging from lectures to the performing arts of music and dance.

Keynote addresses and panel discussions covered such diverse topics as: “The European Agenda for Culture: Exploring the Future of Culture”; “How to Grow a Creative Workforce”; “The Aspen Institute Global Initiative on Arts, Culture & Society Roundtable on Creativity” and more. Breakout sessions addressed best practices and emphasized the reasons why cultural industries are vital to the health and well-being of communities. Included among the topics were: “Art Education in Schools and Engagement of Youth in our Communities”; “The Roots of the Music Business”; “Culinary Production, Creativity and Workforce Development” and many more.

In the inaugural year of the World Cultural Economic Forum, Lieutenant Governor Landrieu and the WCEF team welcomed participants from 22 countries to New Orleans in August 2007. The goal of this endeavor was to focus on laying the foundation for a healthy cultural economy, building investment and financing a new cultural economy, and using culture to find common higher ground across communities.

Three panels discussing these issues consisted of international, national and in-state experts on culture. In this seminal event, the foundation for future Forums where cultural issues could be discussed in a broader audience was laid.

The event was held in Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré – the oldest community theater in the United States. This historic theater, located in the French Quarter, has served as a cultural home to actors, singers, dancers and writers for nearly 100 years.