Jazz International
New Orleans legendary music, vibrant arts, and deep culture knows no borders.
The New Orleans Jazz Museum’s Jazz International initiative is dedicated to sharing New Orleans’ unique heritage with the world, forging dynamic global partnerships through six overarching strategies that immerse audiences worldwide in authentic experiences. Jazz International engages in diverse musical exchanges with its partner organizations, both by hosting musicians from around the world in New Orleans and by sending delegations of New Orleans culture bearers to destinations around the globe. These missions take a wide variety of forms, including festivals, cultural diplomacy exchanges, and educational workshops. From France to Taiwan to the Dominican Republic, esteemed artists such as Herlin Riley, Dr. Michael White, James Andrews, and Gregg Stafford have shared New Orleans music and culture with global audiences.
In 2025, Jazz International also introduced Jazz Passports – an exclusive opportunity for members of the public to join the Museum’s cultural exchange initiative. These curated trips include behind the scenes experiences, museum visits, and tours.
Foundations of Jazz International
Traveling Exhibits
Through the Jazz International initiative, traveling exhibits from the New Orleans Jazz Museum’s collection can be customized to suit the specific needs of host galleries and venues.
Below are exhibits currently in international circulation:
Drumsville: Evolution of the New Orleans Beat
Celebrates the development of the drum kit in New Orleans and the ongoing evolution of its rich local drumming traditions.
Women of Note
Highlights the role of women in the evolution of New Orleans jazz, from its beginnings in the early 20th century to today’s vibrant music scene.
Economy Hall : The Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood
Economy Hall was one of the central places where jazz was born as all the early players from Kid Ory to King Oliver to Buddy Bolden made music inside its wall.
It All Started In Jane Alley : Louis Armstrong In New Orleans
The exhibition gives a glimpse into Louis Armstrong’s life in New Orleans and his evolving relationship with the city after his departure.
Jazz Ambassadors
The New Orleans Jazz Ambassadors program gives university music students the opportunity to perform abroad, exposing foreign audiences to New Orleans brass band traditions and second line culture. Through institutional partnerships with various universities, students get the chance to experience and learn from other musical traditions.
Educational Workshops
Jazz International partners with culture bearers and educators to bring New Orleans traditions to global communities. Previous educational programs included traditional umbrella and Black-Masking Indian suit confection, hands-on beading workshops, lectures, documentaries, drumming workshops, storytelling, tap-dancing, and second line history programs for younger audiences.
Culinary Lectures and Demonstrations
The New Orleans Jazz Museum curates a culinary program designed to bring highlights of New Orleanian cuisine abroad, share the joys of the city’s cuisine, and educate participants about the history of the city’s food traditions.
