State of the Nation is an annual art and performance festival that brings together artists from across the United States who are committed to addressing social, political, and economic issues facing the Gulf South and the country-at-large.

Since 2004, SON has been co-produced in New Orleans, LA and Jackson, MS. During that time, it has presented the work of over three hundred and fifty dancers, musicians, theater artists, poets, painters, sculptors, filmmakers, activists and educators. Attended by thousands, this festival provides an opportunity to showcase projects and participate in workshops. At its best, it stands as a forum for democracy – a space for the free discussion of current affairs.

This year’s festival will explore the intersection of art and activism around the specific theme of a tipping point. It will feature more than 100 artists from the Gulf Coast, Baltimore, D.C., Maryland, California, Hawaii, New York and beyond.




State of the Nation is supported by a Community Artist Partnership Project Grant from Alternate ROOTS with generous support from the Nathan Cummings Foundation and the Ford Foundation. It is also supported by a grant from the Office of the Lt. Governor, the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, and the World Cultural Economic Forum (WCEF). This program is also supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered through the Arts Council of New Orleans. DanceNow's participation is funded in part by a grant from the Southern Arts Federation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Louisiana Division of the Arts.

Additional support comes from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, ArtSpot Productions, Junebug Productions, Creative Forces, Mondo Bizarro, Patois: The New Orleans Human Rights Film Festival, NEW NOISE, The 7th Ward Neighborhood Center, M.U.G.A.B.E.E. and the Renaissance Project.