Free Festival to Welcome 50,000+ Visitors, Award $25,000 in Prizes, and Showcase Student Talent May 2–4
Shreveport, La. — One of Northwest Louisiana’s most beloved and impactful cultural events, ARTBREAK, returns to the Shreveport Convention Center from April 28–May 4, 2025, with the public festival running May 2–4. Now in its 39th year, the event—produced by the Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC)—celebrates “Arts for All”, a theme that underscores expanded accessibility and inclusion for all visitors.
Each year, ARTBREAK transforms 95,000 square feet of downtown Shreveport into a vibrant celebration of student achievement in the visual, literary, performing, culinary, fashion, film, and design arts. It is the largest annual student arts festival in the South and is expected to attract more than 50,000 attendees, including students, educators, families, and art lovers.
“ARTBREAK is a bold expression of what happens when creativity and community converge,” said Pam Atchison, Executive Director of SRAC. “This year’s focus on access, inclusion, and excellence ensures that every student and every family can share in the magic of art.”
Festival Highlights:
- $25,000 in savings bonds and cash prizes awarded to student artists
- 30+ hands-on STEAM activities guided by professional artists
- Hundreds of student works displayed from floor to ceiling
- Master Classes in dance, film, literature, fashion, visual arts, and more
- Interactive weekday field trips for 2nd and 3rd graders
- Children’s Book Festival and special author appearance by Greg Foley
- Battle of the Bands middle school competition (NEW for 2025)
A Commitment to Accessibility
New for 2025, ARTBREAK’s “Arts for All” initiative includes:
- American Sign Language interpreters from the Deaf Action Center
- A dedicated sensory room for neurodivergent visitors
- A festival social story to help visitors prepare for the environment
- Spanish-language support at the info desk and on printed materials
These enhancements are made possible through a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development.
Economic and Educational Impact
ARTBREAK provides not only artistic enrichment but also economic stimulation for the region, drawing visitors from across Louisiana and East Texas. It fosters public-private partnerships, boosts tourism, and serves as a pipeline for arts education, reaching thousands of students in Caddo Parish.
Sponsors for ARTBREAK 2025 include:
McDonald’s – Gilley Enterprise, Inc., The Alta and John Franks Foundation, Bonvenu Bank, The Community Foundation of North Louisiana, Union Pacific, Community Network, Inc., and The Leonard W. and Betty Phillips Foundation.
“For nearly four decades, ARTBREAK has been a platform for creative expression and community pride,” said Atchison. “It continues to grow as an anchor for Shreveport’s cultural and educational landscape.”
Event Details
🗓 Public Festival Dates:
- Friday, May 2 – Opening Night
- Saturday, May 3 – Book Festival + Battle of the Bands
- Sunday, May 4 – Family Finale
📍 Location: Shreveport Convention Center
🎟 Admission: FREE (includes free parking)
For more information, visit shrevearts.org or follow @shrevearts on social media.