The Crown Legacy Program Explores a Sponsored Creative Fellowship

Joseph Crown
May 10
2 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

In New Orleans, storytelling is more than art—it’s legacy. From porch tales to painted murals, second lines to spoken word, our culture lives through the voices of our people. That’s why The Crown Legacy Program is exploring a new initiative that centers those voices and helps them thrive: a Sponsored NOLA Storyteller and Sponsored Poet Fellowship launching in 2026.

The idea is simple: select two local creatives—one poet and one storyteller—and support them with monthly pay, editorial coaching, publishing support, and a platform to share their work for six months. It’s a step toward sustainability for the artists who preserve our culture in words. And right now, we’re listening. We're gauging community interest and seeking the support to bring this vision to life.

Whether you’re a writer who wants to be considered, or someone who believes in funding creativity that reflects and protects New Orleans, there’s a role for you in shaping what comes next.

Supporters & Sponsors: Help Us Build This

We are currently seeking sponsors, donors, and partners to help us fund the first cohort of sponsored creatives. Your support directly funds artistic labor, builds visibility for local voices, and ensures that creative legacy remains in the hands of the community.

Please contact us or make your donation here.

The Crown Legacy Program

Joseph Santiago, Executive Director,

Crown Legacy Program

joe@crownlegacyprogram.org

https://www.crownlegacyprogram.org/

Introducing: Lagniappe Logic – A Podcast by The Crown Legacy Program

As part of this evolving effort, we’ve also launched a new podcast: Lagniappe Logic. Hosted by our AI co-pilot “Dutch”—a voice inspired by the cultural crossroads of code and Crescent City character—this podcast explores how art, technology, and tradition are colliding in real time.

Every episode highlights cultural innovators, dives into Crown Legacy updates, and raises awareness of the creative projects we’re building. Lagniappe Logic is both a storytelling platform and a fundraising channel, helping us reach new audiences and invite them to invest in the next generation of creatives.

New episodes will be released regularly on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and right here on our website. Wherever possible, we invite community voices to enrich each episode—bringing their knowledge, lived experience, and cultural perspective into the conversation. More to come on this soon!

We’re actively seeking sponsors and funders who believe in the power of story to strengthen communities and preserve culture. Your support can help us turn these efforts into lasting opportunities for local creatives—and give back to the voices that give so much to New Orleans.

Check out the podcast on our website, on Spotfy, or by clicking here.

Be Heard. Be Featured. Be Remembered.

This isn’t just about launching a fellowship. It’s about investing in the storytellers, poets, and cultural creators who carry our collective memory forward. Whether you’re discovering your voice or have been shaping narratives for years, The Crown Legacy Program invites you to be part of a legacy that endures.

Your story matters. Let’s tell it—together.