Executive Director
Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Ethan Ellestad is a founding member of the Music and Culture Coalition of New
Orleans (MaCCNO), a non-profit that works at the intersection of culture, public policy, and
social justice, and has served as its executive director since 2014. MaCCNO frequently engages
around issues involving music, culture and shared space, including zoning and land use reform;
provides assistance to street performers and other cultural community members disconnected
from traditional services; and works to decriminalize cultural activity. Most recently, MaCCNO
spearheaded the successful effort to create new guidelines that legalize outdoor
live entertainment in New Orleans.
Previous to his work with MaCCNO, Ethan spent 3 years as Peace Corps Volunteer in Ewarton,
Jamaica; helped develop a neighborhood planning tools and strategies as a staff member for
the Foundation For Louisiana; and worked with FEMA in Plaquemines Parish post Hurricane
Isaac to assist in the creation of a recovery plan for the natural and cultural resources sector.
Ethan is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Planning Association Arts and
Planning Division, and also advises on a number of community development projects. He has a
Masters Degree in Urban Planning and Community Development from the University of New
Orleans.
Tuning In: Understanding Music in Your City
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM CT