Northeast Louisiana Arts Council
Regional Arts Council for Region 8
@nela-admin
Description
The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council is the regional arts council serving the 12 parishes of Region 8. Those 12 parishes are Caldwell, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, and West Carroll.
Organization Type
Arts NonprofitLOCATION
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
Vendor Call - Watermelon Festival
Calling All Vendors!
We’re excited to announce that vendor applications are now OPEN for the 63rd Annual Louisiana Watermelon Festival! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this cherished tradition in Farmerville.
Festival Dates: July 24-25, 2026
Location: Downtown Farmerville, Louisiana
Whether you’re selling handmade crafts, delicious food, unique products, or services, there’s a spot for you!
louisianawatermelonfestival.org/vendors
App link: https://pci.jotform.com/form/250184574822156
Spaces fill quickly, so secure yours now! We can’t wait to see you at the sweetest festival in Louisiana!
Photography of Tianyu Want Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Ribbon cutting ceremony featuring the photography of Tianyu Wang. An exhibit of photos from Shaanxi Province, China displayed in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.
NELA Arts Council Exhibition Open Call
We’re kicking off the new year with a reminder that our year-round Open Call for Artists is open, and we’re currently seeking submissions for four solo exhibition slots in our 2027 season. This call is open to visual artists working in 2D, 3D, sculpture, and select installation work, with flexibility depending on the space. Most exhibitions are wall-based using our hanging system, so submitted work should be ready to install in a gallery setting. Artists at any stage of their career are encouraged to apply. Full submission details and requirements are available on our website.
Arts in Partnership: Louisiana Delta Community College Call For Art
The Louisiana Delta Community College Library is in a season of transformation. Its spaces are changing, collections are growing, and its purpose on campus continues to evolve.
The word Delta means change - both in name and in symbol - and this exhibition explores that idea through visual art created by artists across Northeast Louisiana.
We’re seeking work that reflects transformation, growth, becoming, or change in any form. Artists may interpret this theme in personal, cultural, educational, environmental, emotional, or abstract ways. Show us what it looks like to shift, to move forward, or to evolve into something new.
All wall-hanging mediums suitable for a public educational space will be considered, including painting, mixed media, photography, digital art, fiber works, and other installation-ready pieces
Vendor Call - Watermelon Festival
Calling All Vendors!
We’re excited to announce that vendor applications are now OPEN for the 63rd Annual Louisiana Watermelon Festival! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this cherished tradition in Farmerville.
Festival Dates: July 24-25, 2026
Location: Downtown Farmerville, Louisiana
Whether you’re selling handmade crafts, delicious food, unique products, or services, there’s a spot for you!
louisianawatermelonfestival.org/vendors
App link: https://pci.jotform.com/form/250184574822156
Spaces fill quickly, so secure yours now! We can’t wait to see you at the sweetest festival in Louisiana!
Photography of Tianyu Want Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Ribbon cutting ceremony featuring the photography of Tianyu Wang. An exhibit of photos from Shaanxi Province, China displayed in conjunction with the Chinese New Year.
NELA Arts Council Exhibition Open Call
We’re kicking off the new year with a reminder that our year-round Open Call for Artists is open, and we’re currently seeking submissions for four solo exhibition slots in our 2027 season. This call is open to visual artists working in 2D, 3D, sculpture, and select installation work, with flexibility depending on the space. Most exhibitions are wall-based using our hanging system, so submitted work should be ready to install in a gallery setting. Artists at any stage of their career are encouraged to apply. Full submission details and requirements are available on our website.
Arts in Partnership: Louisiana Delta Community College Call For Art
The Louisiana Delta Community College Library is in a season of transformation. Its spaces are changing, collections are growing, and its purpose on campus continues to evolve.
The word Delta means change - both in name and in symbol - and this exhibition explores that idea through visual art created by artists across Northeast Louisiana.
We’re seeking work that reflects transformation, growth, becoming, or change in any form. Artists may interpret this theme in personal, cultural, educational, environmental, emotional, or abstract ways. Show us what it looks like to shift, to move forward, or to evolve into something new.
All wall-hanging mediums suitable for a public educational space will be considered, including painting, mixed media, photography, digital art, fiber works, and other installation-ready pieces
EVENTS
Louisiana Watermelon Festival
The Watermelon Festival in Farmerville, Louisiana, is an annual summer celebration honoring the region’s long tradition of watermelon farming. First held in the 1960s, the festival draws visitors from across north Louisiana for community events, entertainment, and agricultural showcases centered on the local watermelon harvest.
Peach Fest
The Peach Festival is an annual celebration held in Ruston, Louisiana, honoring the region’s longstanding peach-growing heritage. Since 1951, it has combined agricultural pride with small-town charm, drawing visitors for live entertainment, arts and crafts, parades, and peach-themed food.
Downtown Gallery Crawl
The Downtown Gallery Crawl is a recurring arts festival held in the twin cities of Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana. It features local artists, galleries, and cultural venues opening their doors for an evening of art exhibitions, live music, and community engagement. The event highlights the growing regional arts scene and revitalizes the historic downtown districts. It takes place on the first Thursday of every February, April, June, August, October & December.
Downtown Gallery Crawl
The Downtown Gallery Crawl is a recurring arts festival held in the twin cities of Monroe and West Monroe, Louisiana. It features local artists, galleries, and cultural venues opening their doors for an evening of art exhibitions, live music, and community engagement. The event highlights the growing regional arts scene and revitalizes the historic downtown districts. It takes place on the first Thursday of every February, April, June, August, October & December.