This is interesting – New Orleans using culture as a way to host a discussion on global economic strategy. (see below). Toronto, Philadelphia, Oakland – numerous cities are going with culture as an engine of economic revitalization. Interestingly we just heard on NPR that Jennifer Granholm, Michigan Governor, is cutting arts + culture funding pretty much completely due to the economic crisis, “we just can’t afford it,” she says. Two sides of an interesting argument – culture as economic engine or unaffordable luxury? are these oppositional statements? or do they reflect different urban realities? anyway… here’s the info on new orleans… if anyone is going to be there, we’d love a report:

In an effort to build strong and lasting relationships with Louisiana’s foreign country partners, Lieutenant Governor Mitchell J. Landrieuwill host a World Cultural Economic Forum (WCEF) roundtable discussion with foreign ambassadors and ministers from several partner countries during the 40th Annual New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

The WCEF Media Roundtable is the best opportunity to learn about some of the key initiatives being developed between Louisiana and countries from around the world prior to the next World Cultural Economic Forum which will be held again in October 2009.

more after the jump….

Economic opportunities:

Brazil and Louisiana are both producers of ethanol. As a partner of Brazil, Louisiana is in a position to advance and lead the alternative energy discussion and agenda in America.

Educational opportunities:

Caribbean countries including, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Jamaica and Haiti, are working with the University of New Orleans’ College of Education and Human Development to expand educational opportunities for students abroad.

Cultural opportunities:

Louisiana’s Zydeco music is the most popular request from the men and women serving our country abroad. Louisiana is working with the US State Department to include some of our best musicians on the USO Tour.

Confirmed participants of the Jazz Festival WCEF Roundtable DiscussionAmbassadors:

Brazil

H.E. and Mrs. Antonio Patriota, Ambassador of Brazil to the United States, Embassy of Brazil

Croatia 

H.E. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, Ambassador of Croatia to the United States

St. Vincent & The Grenadines

H.E. La Celia A. Prince, Ambassador of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Embassy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

High-ranking Officials:

South Africa

Ms. Lerato Mataboge, Economic Minister, Embassy of the Republic of South Africa

Sweden 

Mats Widbom Cultural Counselor, Embassy of Sweden

Consul Generals

Austria

Gunter Bischof, Director of Center Austria and Marshall Plan Professor of History at the University of New Orleans 

France

Hon. Olivier Brochenin, Consul General of France in New Orleans

Mexico

Andrea Garcia Guerra, Consul of Mexico, Consulate of Mexico in New Orleans

Panama

Erich Rodriguez, Dean of the Consular Corps and Consul General of Panama