Northside Lafayette native Leigha Porter believes positive change can manifest through art and movement. As the owner of PARC Village, Porter strives to connect the world with the unique artistic talents in Southern Louisiana.
Rich in arts and culture, the Northside is home to Lafayette’s Mardi Gras Indians, Stanley “Buckwheat Zydeco” Dural, Carol Fran, and many others.
Over time, Northside cultural staples such as El Sido’s Zydeco and Blues Club, Benoit Gallery Indigenous Art, Black I Am Bookstore, and Umoja Books and Products help tell the stories of yesterday and today.
Yet unfortunately, examining the Lafayette Economic Development Authority’s economic profile reveals that the city can improve its investments in the arts and culture industries.
Porter received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she studied dance and a Master of Education from Grand Canyon University. Throughout her journey, dancing and instructing have always played a role.
The Black Wall Street Times interviewed Porter about PARC Village, community building, “The Creole Nutcracker,” and more.
“Art is a tool for preservation and connection, and it’s especially powerful in communities like ours. Louisiana Creole art and culture are so rich and layered, and it’s important that we tell our own stories in our own voices,” said Porter.
PARC Village transforms contemporary arts with community building
PARC Village is located on Moss Street in the heart of Lafayette’s northside community. It is a collective art space supplying resources for amateur, emerging, and professional artists.
Growing up, Porter found love in art and dance.
“I was surrounded by music and movement—it’s just part of who we are in Louisiana. I fell in love with dance at a young age and taught my first class when I was just 13. That moment showed me the power of sharing what I love with others,” she said. “Over the years, my journey as a dancer and educator allowed me to connect with artists across disciplines—musicians, poets, painters—and I saw the impact of collaboration.”
Porter wanted to create a space for creatives of color to feel heard, seen, and supported in South Louisiana. Through collaboration and programming, visual artists, photographers, musicians, and other creatives have a space to exhibit their art.
“We showcase two to three exhibitions a year highlighting visual artists and photographers in our art gallery. We host open gallery nights and other curated events for each exhibit. One of our standout programs is our monthly spoken word event, which gives poets and storytellers a platform to share their voices. We also host community dance classes in styles like African and Latin, creating spaces for people to learn and connect,” she shared.
Artists and guests have included Jacory Babineaux, Zyria Guillory, Corey J, Candice Leigh, Kelsey LeAnna, and others.
In addition, PARC Village’s podcast “Coffee and Conversations” sheds light on regional artists and creatives. “Looking ahead, we’re working on new initiatives that will continue to highlight local talent and bring the arts to the forefront of our community,” Porter said.
The Positive impact of “The Creole Nutcracker”
Throughout Lafayette, residents rave about the significance and entertainment of “The Creole Nutcracker.” Created in 2018 by Leigha Porter and Jazmyn Jones, the play preserves and shares Louisiana’s Creole culture.
“The inspiration for The Creole Nutcracker came from the love for Louisiana’s culture and our desire to see it represented on a bigger stage. We wanted to create something that blended our traditions, music, and storytelling in a way that felt authentic,” Porter said.
In “The Creole Nutcracker” Porter and Jones explore Louisiana’s Creole 19th-century culture, music, language, and history. In addition, the play provides an opportunity for youth creatives to participate and star. The play will run on Saturday, December 21, at Heymann Performing Arts Center.
To expand their vision, the duo wrote and published a children’s book, “Clarice and The Creole Nutcracker.” Illustrated by Herb Leonhard, the book extends as a literary version of the play.
“Whether through PARC Village, The Creole Nutcracker, or anything else I do, it’s all about uplifting our culture and building something that lasts,” Porter shared.
Plans for the future
Northside Lafayette’s authentic and raw talent are infectious but opportunities and exposure are scarce. Porter opened PARC Village as a space and platform for creatives to showcase their artwork to the world.
“We’re looking to expand our programs and reach even more people. I want to continue bridging the gap between local artists and the global arts community, and we’re working on new ways to make that happen.” Porter said.
Upcoming activations and classes include crocheting, community dancing, art exhibits, open mic sessions, literacy and libations, and more.
“The mission of PARC Village is to create a thriving arts community that highlights the talent we have right here in North Lafayette and connects it to the broader world. It’s about giving artists of color a space to grow, create, and be seen while providing the community with opportunities to engage with the arts in meaningful ways.”
Related Stories:
- Maaliyah Papillion honors the Atakapa-Ishak Nation in short film “ISHAK”
- The Normal Anomaly Uplifts Black LGBTQIA+ Southern Communities
- Kelsie LaFontaine blends Holistic Health and Fashion with Perspectives Appeal