After 45 Years, Is This the End for the Bossier Arts Council?

After 45 years, tomorrow could be the beginning of end for the Bossier Arts Council. The Bossier City Council is considering a proposal that would cut funding and evict the organization from the Old Municipal Building on Barksdale Boulevard in Downtown Bossier. If the measure is passed, BAC could be evicted from the location by March 30th.

What Led To Funding Vote for the Bossier Arts Council?

The Bossier City Council is scheduled to discuss the matter February 17th during the fist reading of the proposal. The Council is scheduled to officially read the proposal that would "introduce an Ordinance terminating the Joint Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Bossier Arts Council and repealing certain existing ordinances allowing use of city premises by Bossier Arts Council.”

The matter first became a public topic of discussion last Thursday when the Bossier Arts Council made this Facebook post discussing the "terrible" news.

According to KSLA, the Louisiana Auditor said the Bossier Arts Council went 3 years without filing an audit report and labeled the organization as "non-compliant". Brittainy Pope, who served as the executive director since 2022, stepped down in October of 2025. The BAC says that current staff had no idea of the issues but are working to address the situation with the help of a new accountant.

Following the announcement that the Bossier Arts Council was facing their possible end, there was a large public outcry.

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What Comes Next For the Bossier Arts Council?

Barring a change to the City Council's schedule, the matter will be discussed at tomorrow's City Council meeting at 3 pm. The Bossier Arts Council and dozens of local artists are calling on everyone who can attend the meeting to attend. In a Facebook post from BAC made a passionate plea:

"We are asking all of you, our supporters, friends, and family, to come out and attend the City Council meeting next Tuesday and let the council members hear your voice. Let them know that the BAC is for the community and that we can do our best work where we have been for the last 45 years. We need your help."

Bossier Mayor Tommy Chandler issued a statement stating "I am aware of the value and contributions that the Arts provides for our Community. I appreciate and support the Arts in Bossier City; however, any organization that will be supported and represents the Arts in Bossier is expected and required to be accountable, compliant and properly managed.”

Is there a way to save the Bossier Arts Council? Only time will tell. But, if you want your voice heard and want to stand in solidarity with BAC and the local artistic community, the Council Meeting starts at 3 pm at 620 Benton Rd, Bossier City, LA 71111.