New Orleans 2025
In New Orleans, through Ashé Cultural Arts Center, local artists Cherice Harrison-Nelson’s and Geer Mendy’s work will center around cultural preservation in collaboration with the Alliance for Cultural Equity. AAW artists Donney Rose and A.J. Haynes will work and be trained as Community Health Workers in the I Deserve It health and wellness program, with Rose focusing on the neighborhood and built environment as social determinants of health, and Haynes focusing on Black maternity health and reproductive rights.
Artists At Work is produced and administered by THE OFFICE performing arts + film with generous support from the Mellon Foundation.
CHERICE HARRISON-NELSON
GREER MENDY
DONNEY ROSE
A.J. HAYNES
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
Ashé Cultural Arts Center is a dynamic hub for art, culture, and community engagement in New Orleans. Rooted in the traditions of the African diaspora, Ashé fosters creativity, social justice, and economic development through a wide range of programs, performances, and partnerships. The center features over 10,000 square feet of gallery space and 20,000 square feet of performance space, hosting more than 350 events annually, including music, theater, dance, and spoken word. In addition to its artistic and cultural initiatives, Ashé is deeply engaged in shaping both local and global policy, advocating for equity, cultural preservation, and community wellness. Through strategic collaborations and leadership in public discourse, the center continues to serve as a catalyst for artistic expression and collective empowerment, ensuring that the rich heritage of New Orleans remains vibrant and accessible to all.