For 45 years, the arts have been woven into the fabric of Bossier Parish life — thanks in large part to the Bossier Arts Council (BAC).

Founded to enrich and expand access to the arts, BAC has become a cornerstone of the local community. Its mission is simple yet far-reaching: to create artistic and cultural opportunities that support artists and engage the public. That mission comes to life through free gallery exhibits, arts education for both hobbyists and professionals, performances at the East Bank Theatre, and shared creative spaces for local artists.

“We aim to connect with the community, the region, the state, and even the world, because art conveys experience, and we all connect with it in our own way,” said BAC Director Brittainy Pope.

In July, BAC marked its 45th anniversary. Its roots stretch back even further, to the Bossier Arts Association, founded by a group of passionate women who gathered in what would become BAC’s home in the East Bank District. Their vision: to make art a way of life, not just a hobby. BAC began by supporting local artists with training and resources to help build sustainable careers.

“We’re here to support creatives so they can thrive,” Pope explained. “Art is a viable career. Creative careers are viable—and we want people to believe in that.”

As BAC’s mission grew, so did the need for a permanent home. That opportunity came when the City of Bossier City relocated its offices, leaving behind a space that BAC would transform into a vibrant hub for the arts.

“These were people from the community who carried art with them wherever they went,” Pope said. “But when you don’t have a home of your own, it really dictates what you can and can’t do. When the city moved their offices, it left this space empty, and the BAC inherited this space.”

While BAC is 45, the East Bank Theatre celebrates its 38th year, and the building itself nears its 100th anniversary. Through many changes, it has remained a source of memories for generations of Bossier residents.

“There’s a through line there for the community with the building being a constant,” said Pope. “Even though we are art-centered, we aim within the mission to still keep it community-based.”

In the early 1980s, the East Bank area was a very different place. For decades, BAC was one of the only organizations working to draw people in and keep the district alive.

“It’s been a beautiful evolution,” Pope said. “Now, with outdoor programming across the street, we bring more foot traffic to our building and our neighboring businesses as well.”

As a designated state cultural district, East Bank plays a key role in regional revitalization. The BAC acts as a liaison between the state and other cities looking to follow suit.

“We want to build stronger connections with our neighbors—especially the new businesses that will be calling the East Bank home for years to come,” said BAC Marketing Coordinator Alex Richardson. “We can offer our events in the district through the East Bank Plaza and use our social media to promote what others are doing in the district.”

Looking ahead, BAC is planning an exciting lineup of exhibitions featuring local artists, expanding arts education through student art shows and school partnerships, and growing its outdoor programming with markets and live performances. They’re also deepening connections with local colleges and introducing more diverse experiences, like culinary arts events.

“Art comes in many forms, and we don’t want people to feel limited in how they experience it,” Pope said. “Some people may not attend a painting class, but they’ll come to a culinary art experience, and that’s just as valid. It reaches them in a different, meaningful way.”

The key to sustaining this momentum and a bright future requires public support from individuals and city leadership.

“That support can be as simple as stopping by on your lunch break to enjoy the art on display,” Pope said. “Volunteer. Encourage your workplace to become a sponsor. This is a unique moment for the arts and for nonprofits in general. We ask for the community’s compassion, patience, and realistic expectations as we continue to grow.”