Free Admission to Second Annual Robideaux Report
No Cost to Attend Parish-Wide Address, Showcase of Culture and Technology
Lafayette Mayor-President Joel Robideaux announced that there will be no charge to attend his second annual address, the Robideaux Report, as well as the Showcase of Technology and Culture. Both free events will happen on the evening of Thursday, April 12 at the Heymann Performing Arts Center, with the address beginning at 6 p.m., and the showcase to follow at approximately 7 p.m.
“It was always my intent to keep the annual address as a free public event because I believe every citizen in Lafayette Parish should have the opportunity to hear firsthand the status of their government. I am pleased to also offer no cost of admission to the Showcase of Culture and Technology this year,” stated Robideaux. Attendance at the 2017 annual address was free, while the showcase was a paid event, with proceeds funding the Strategic Initiative Fund at Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA). “Through the generous support of businesses and individuals, we are able to host this year’s community-wide address and showcase with free admission to the public, offering the opportunity for all of Lafayette’s citizens to participate.” Free admission is made possible in part by Platinum Sponsor LUS Fiber and Gold Sponsors IBERIABANK and Southern Lifestyle Development. The Year-in-Review and Showcase of Technology and Culture are events of, and produced, by CFA.
At last year’s event, Robideaux announced the launch of CREATE, an initiative to build and support local culture to further diversify and strengthen the economy. Since that time, voters approved a partial tax rededication to provide approximately $500,000 annually to support the cultural economy through CREATE (Culture, Recreation, Entertainment, Arts, Tourism, Economy). “The citizens of Lafayette Parish demonstrated their support of our cultural and recreational resources, so it was obvious to me that everyone would have an interest in attending in the Showcase of Culture and Technology.” Throughout the last 12 months, more than 400 CREATE community conversations have been hosted, collecting residents’ thoughts on the culture and recreational opportunities throughout the parish.
On the evening of April 12 Robideaux will reflect on the events and activities from the past year, including an update on CREATE, and discuss the challenges Lafayette Parish faces. The theme of this year’s presentation is “The Intersection of Culture and Technology,” and he will share his perspective on the unique opportunities that lie ahead for further economic diversification with the growing tech and cultural industries. As was done in 2017, Robideaux will also unveil several new initiatives intended to make government more transparent, customer service-oriented and efficient through technology. “Last year’s event was a resounding success, bringing together citizens and elected officials from across the parish. I look forward to another great event where we can celebrate our successes, and honestly address our challenges ahead.”
Following the address, all in attendance will be invited to enjoy the Showcase of Culture and Technology, celebrating the unique intersection of these important economic drivers in Lafayette Parish. Leading tech firms and local artisans will present their most innovative and most impactful projects. An array of great food and beverages, sights, sounds and ideas that make Lafayette Parish so special will be a highlight of the showcase.
“Organizations and individuals from across the parish have been working on what is shaping up to be an exciting evening where we celebrate our past and our look forward to our collective future. I look forward to sampling the food of our best restaurants, and seeing the displays at the showcase,” said Robideaux.
Sponsor proceeds and direct tax-deductible contributions, benefit the Lafayette Parish Strategic Initiatives Fund at Community Foundation of Acadiana, supporting a wide range of initiatives including long-term economic growth, the promotion of our cultural assets, enhancements to our quality of life and much needed infrastructure initiatives.
The April 12 address will begin at 6 p.m. in the Heymann Performing Arts Center and admission is free to the public.
The Robideaux Report is produced by the Community Foundation of Acadiana. For more information on the Robideaux Report please visit www.RobideauxReport.com.
