About New Orleans
The city of New Orleans, nestled at the mouth of the Mississippi River, is a one-of-a-kind destination. With its unique mix of French, Spanish, and African American cultures, it offers something special to visitors and locals alike. From the bright colors of Mardi Gras to the distinctive sounds of jazz emanating from Bourbon Street, New Orleans is sure to mesmerize anyone who visits.
But there’s more to this vibrant city than meets the eye. Its art and culture are just as notable as its delicious food and lively music scene. You’ll find galleries showcasing the work of local artists from all over Louisiana and beyond, and unique spaces for creative purposes — like warehouses turned into theatrical sets or old industrial factories converted into modern art studios.
Organizing an event in New Orleans can be a truly magical experience due to these interesting venues. Whether you want an intimate night of art appreciation with friends or a large-scale interactive exhibition, you will find exactly what you need here in this city that never sleeps.
Empty Gallery Event Options in New Orleans
- AV Equipment
AV equipment is essential for a successful event in an empty gallery. This includes items such as sound systems, microphones, speakers, projectors, and video equipment. By having the right AV equipment, event hosts will be able to ensure that everyone can hear and see any presentations or performances. An audio-visual show can easily be the highlight of an occasion, so having quality equipment is essential for creating a memorable experience.
- Food & Drinks
Providing food and drinks at any gathering is always a good idea. In a gallery space particularly, it can also add a sense of style to the venue—serving refreshments from catering trays on display by the artworks creates both a visual and gastronomic experience for guests. It also provides them with an opportunity to socialize and connect with one another over delicious food and drinks.
- Photography
Hiring professional photographers for your occasion in a gallery will help you capture moments from your special occasion. These photos will provide guests with lasting memories of their time spent there. Moreover, the pictures can serve as proof of the success of your gathering and could even be used for future marketing purposes.
Empty Gallery Event Vendors in New Orleans
- AVRExpos
AVRexpos is a leading AV rental provider in New Orleans, boasting an impressive inventory of LED screens, live sound equipment, touchscreens, and more. With a focus on delivering exceptional audio-visual services, the company caters to a variety of events, including trade shows, general sessions, and live performances. In addition to their extensive rental options, they also offer equipment such as 4K and UHD/HD monitors. With decades of combined experience in the industry, AVRexpos is equipped to handle any event, big or small. Their state-of-the-art LED screen rentals are updated each year to stay at the forefront of technology trends.
- Riverview Photography
Riverview Photography is a trusted name in capturing exceptional moments boasting over 25+ years of experience. Its team of New Orleans photographers have strong technical skills and bring a fresh perspective to every project. They creatively and professionally capture the emotions, and energy of each event, ensuring that the story behind it is preserved for years to come. From corporate events to private parties, Riverview Photography has forged many long-term relationships with clients thanks to its quality, professionalism, and creativity.
- Tim Lacatena
Tim Lacatena is an experienced DJ and musician based in both LA and New Orleans. With over 12 years of experience, he has entertained audiences all over the world, from private and corporate clients like Google and BMW to high-profile events like Super Bowl LVII and the Emmys. His goal as a DJ is simple — to make audiences feel good. Tim is a versatile DJ with a particular fondness for uplifting remixes, classic throwbacks, and sing-along hits. He also enjoys mixing nu-disco, funky house, and electro-pop with modern hits from different decades. His versatility makes him perfect for various events, including corporate and private parties, trade and fashion shows, award ceremonies, and more.
Pros and Cons of Empty Gallery Spaces in New Orleans
Art galleries can provide a cozy ambiance and have a strong visual impact, making them great venues for events. While it can offer a great opportunity for creativity and artistic expression, there are also several advantages and disadvantages to consider before taking this route for planning an event.
Advantages
- Empty galleries tend to provide more flexibility when designing the layout of an occasion, as they often have high ceilings and large open spaces.
- They are also ideal for creating unique atmospheres with little effort due to their neutral decor and minimal furniture.
- An empty gallery tends to have better acoustics than other event spaces which can be beneficial for live performances or presentations.
- The atmosphere of an empty gallery is usually more intimate which can make for a more memorable experience for attendees.
Disadvantages
- Due to their often remote locations, there may be limited access to transportation options or venues that offer additional services such as catering.
- Many galleries may be too small or lack the necessary amenities like electricity or running water that are needed for certain types of events.
- While empty galleries allow for more freedom in designing an event space, it may require extra time and resources in order to set up any additional equipment needed for certain activities.
Tips on How to Organize Empty Gallery Spaces in New Orleans
Hosting an event in an empty gallery can be a great way to display art and promote local artists, but it can also be challenging to create an ambiance that will attract people. Here are tips that can help you organize a successful gathering:
- Use Proper Lighting: The lighting you choose can have a significant impact on your event's ambiance. Using colored LED lights, track lighting, or designer lamps can help to draw attention to specific areas of the gallery, such as artwork installations or performance stages.
- Provide Comfortable Seating Arrangements: Adequate seating arrangements can help your guests relax, engage with each other, and enjoy the artwork. Incorporate various seating options such as comfortable couches, vintage chairs, and benches to provide guests with different seating arrangements.
- Add an Interactive Element: An interactive element can help guests connect with each other and the artwork, creating a memorable experience. For instance, you can hire an artist to provide live painting demonstrations or a DJ to curate music that complements the artwork you are exhibiting.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- Central Business District
The Central Business District of New Orleans is known for its towering buildings and bustling corporate activity. However, there's much more to this area than meets the eye. The adjoining Warehouse District, with its industrial history, has evolved into a cultural hub that attracts art enthusiasts from all over. The narrow streets of this district play host to some of the city's best art galleries, showcasing a vibrant mix of regional and international art. From the well-curated Ogden Museum of Southern Art to the cutting-edge Contemporary Arts Center, the Warehouse District has something for every art lover. It's the perfect juxtaposition of work and play, making it an ideal destination for those who want to experience the best of both worlds in New Orleans.
- Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture
Mardi Gras is an exciting time in New Orleans, and the costumes worn by the parade participants are a big part of the celebration. If you're looking for a taste of Mardi Gras without battling the crowds, the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture is your spot. Located in the vibrant Ninth Ward, this museum is a treasure trove of the elaborate costumes worn by the Carnival krewes that have been throwing parades since the mid-1800s. Rex, Proteus, Zulu, Bacchus, Orpheus, Muses, and others are all represented here, along with their annual kings and queens, and courts. You can even try on a few costumes yourself! Though nothing can compare to experiencing Mardi Gras in person, this museum is the next best thing.
- Crescent Park
Located in the heart of the French Market District and covering 20 acres of prime waterfront real estate, Crescent Park offers stunning panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the iconic New Orleans skyline. Whether you're taking a leisurely stroll along the promenade, jogging along the bike paths, or playing fetch with your furry friend in the dog park, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Don't miss the angular metal-and-concrete conceptual 'wharf,' which is a striking contrast to the burned remains of the former commercial one. Or, if you're here on Wednesday, you can stock up on fresh, locally-sourced produce at the farmers' market, held at the Piety Street entrance.