A new chapter is unfolding for the Bossier Arts Council, one marked by fresh leadership and a new space at the Louisiana Boardwalk, yet still guided by the same passion for enriching the community through the arts. Since opening its doors in 1984, the organization has served as a space for artists, creatives, educators, and appreciators throughout Bossier Parish.

While 2026 began with uncertainty for this community staple organization following the City of Bossier City’s decision to end its cooperative agreement for their original space at the end of 2025, they’ve been welcomed to a new space to continue to allow people of every background access to the arts. 

Helping guide through this period of transition is Executive Director Amber Dawn, whose relationship with the Bossier Arts Council began years before stepping into this role. 

“I actually was an Artist in Residence for Bossier Arts Council since 2020 and rented studio space, so I’ve always been a part of the organization in some way without being a part,” Amber Dawn, BAC Director, explained. “In January, I had joined the board just to be a bigger part. Then everything started happening, and it became very obvious that we needed somebody in the role who not only had the passion for the art side of things but also the want to do it right and a level of curiosity to learn all of the things that we needed.” 

Today, that vision is taking shape in the Arts Council’s new home at the Louisiana Boardwalk. The move not only provides a fresh, highly visible space for exhibitions, classes, and community events but also creates new opportunities to engage with more residents and visitors alike.

“I feel like we’re reaching a lot more people a little easier when it comes to just getting that walk-in foot traffic,” Alex Richardson, Marketing Coordinator, explained. 

As the organization settles into its new location, council leaders are focused on building on decades of impact while introducing new installations, experiences, and even pieces to their space. This new space was immediately conducive to an art gallery with lighting and shelving, allowing them to have their installation shortly after reopening. There is also room for exciting and new things to be brought to the space.

“We’re working on getting our theatre space up and running,” Richardson said. “We have lights and rigs that just need to be hung, and we’re getting quotes on building a stage, and once that goes, we’re going to be able to start doing more acoustic nights, spoken word, poetry evenings, and black box theatre style stuff.” 

While the new space creates growth opportunities, the organization’s mission remains unchanged.

“I largely want to continue what we’ve started,” Dawn stated. “Our mission has always been about making art accessible to our community and region. I want to kind of take that and run a little further.” 

Beyond exhibitions, the BAC is finding new ways to encourage hands-on creativity. One of its new initiatives, Create it Forward, offers any visitor who walks through their door a chance to create a free craft every single week. Thanks to the sponsorships of local businesses, participants can create something at no cost of their own. 

“No matter their socioeconomic status, they can not just be around art, but be a part of creating it,” Dawn said. 

The program is just one example of their mission to make the arts accessible to all. Other offerings include A-Part, an open actor forum for aspiring performers on the third Monday of every month, and Karen La Beau’s BAC Brew held on the second Thursday of every month. During June and July, the Bossier Arts Council also hosts summer classes that allow school-aged kids to immerse themselves in a variety of arts. 

Their commitment to accessibility is also reflected in their gallery’s first installation show, which features 95 tiny, small-scale pieces from multiple local artists. The exhibit allows visitors to experience a wide range of styles, mediums and perspectives all under one roof. There are not many places viewers can experience that! 

“Seeing so many different voices and all of the colors and different interpretations of similar things, there are quite a few different landscapes, but they are all different,” Dawn expressed. “There’s sculptures, there’s resin work, there’s photography, but you can see it all in one space.” 

Community response to the move has been overwhelmingly positive and was evident with their opening reception having over 200 viewers go through the space. 

Looking ahead, the Arts Council has plans to continue evolving the space and the experience. Future additions include rotating window exhibitions featuring local artists, expanded programming, and their gift shop where visitors can purchase artwork, gifts, and merchandise created by local makers. 

For Dawn, her goal is to create a place where anyone feels welcome to experience art in some capacity, even if they’re not familiar with it.

“The first step is just coming in. I feel like once you’re in the space, it just feels welcoming. You’re covered by art in some way. We have it on the walls. When you come into this store, you’re immediately introduced to our gallery and different art pieces, and just color and fun.”

For those interested in supporting the Bossier Arts Council’s mission, sponsorships, memberships, and donations are available and appreciated. You can visit their website or email bossierarts@bossierarts.org, and the team can send over information about sponsorships or specific programs to assist in funding or with how to become a member. This support allows you to not just come and see but to truly immerse yourself and be a part of the bigger passion.