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Brungardt Law's Lagniappe aims to provide perspectives and insights beyond the law in collaboration with experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate individuals from various walks of life.

Protecting the People Creating Culture | The Ella Project

New Orleans is known for its music, art, food, festivals, and traditions. But culture is more than entertainment. It is an economic engine, identity, and the essence of what makes a place worth living in. Yet behind every song, painting, parade, performance, and tradition are individuals navigating contracts, intellectual property rights, rising costs, uncertain incomes, and industries that often celebrate culture while investing too little in the people who create it.

What does it actually take to sustain culture? How should we think about the relationship among creativity, entrepreneurship, public policy, and economic development? What are the often-unseen systems that support or undermine the people responsible for creating the culture that defines New Orleans and so many communities across America.

In this episode, Maurice Brungardt speaks with Ashlye Keaton and Gene Meneray of The Ella Project about the legal, business, and policy challenges facing Louisiana artists. From intellectual property rights and Mardi Gras Indian copyright protections to arts funding, affordability, artificial intelligence, and the future of New Orleans' cultural economy, they explore what it takes to sustain the artists and culture bearers who drive one of America's most distinctive creative ecosystems. 

Join us and listen to the various perspectives our guests share! Podcasts are also available via Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.