Hi friends!

You might know the New Orleans Photo Alliance from being part of an exhibition at our beautiful space in Uptown New Orleans, from taking one of our incredible workshops hosted by a wealth of brilliant artists and educators, or from simply being a long-time member of our talented and supportive community.

You might also know about us from the PhotoNOLA Festival. Just last month, we welcomed hundreds of photographers, curators, art directors, photo editors, and publishers to New Orleans to participate in our annual gathering — the twentieth edition of an event that has grown to include a book fair, portfolio reviews, keynote speakers, and exhibitions in every corner of this city.

After 20 years of operating, we’re at a crossroads and we need your help.

The past year has presented some unique challenges, and we’re in a bit of a bind, financially. So now, we’re asking for our community’s support. We’ve just had a shift in leadership and governance — and we have a plan! — but in the meantime we would be so grateful if you had the capacity to chip in to help us through the next few months as we restructure, reorganize, and re-envision NOPA for the next twenty years of photographic community in New Orleans. Central to that effort is keeping the lights on at our beloved space and helping secure the organization’s fiscal foundation.

Any support is meaningful: we are a grassroots organization rooted in community labor and love, and we’re so grateful for you all showing up for us in this moment. We can’t wait to come back with more exhibitions, more programming, and more opportunities to celebrate all of the incredible photography produced by those in our extended family. Onward!

With love and gratitude,

The Board of Directors of the New Orleans Photo Alliance

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GOALS:

IMMEDIATE, WITHIN THE NEXT 60 DAYS (BY APRIL 5)

Raise enough funds to cover rent, utilities, and essential operating costs so we can keep our Oak Street space/gallery and darkroom open and accessible and to continue to pay our single part-time contract employee.

Maintain scheduled exhibitions and key programs wherever possible.

WITHIN 6 MONTHS (BY JULY 5)

Open board nominations to members and hold transparent elections to form a board that reflects our community and demonstrates the level of commitment NOPA requires.

Review and revise bylaws and governance practices with meaningful community input, centering equity, accountability, and access.

ONGOING

Hold monthly member meetings and share regular organizational and financial updates on the first Tuesday of every month.

Next member meeting dates at NOPA (7800 Oak St.):

February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2, July 7

Sustain core programming, exhibitions, workshops, and PhotoNOLA planning that focuses on amplification of local, national, and international artists, as resources allow.