Our Mission

We believe in the importance of the culture of New Orleans and Louisiana and we empower the creators of their culture in a way that is just, equitable, and serves the artists, patrons and our diverse community.

Our History

Launched in 2004 with the mission that “We believe in the importance of the culture of New Orleans and Louisiana and we empower the creators of their culture in a way that is just, equitable, and serves the artists, patrons and our diverse community,” The Ella Project provides direct pro bono legal assistance to moderate income artists, musicians, and grassroots nonprofits in Louisiana, presents regular workshops on arts law and arts business topics, provides assistance to moderate income inventors via its Louisiana Invents Patent Pro Bono Program, and advocates for forward thinking policy changes and the development of a local, state and national government that supports and values the creators of our culture.

From its offices in the French Quarter, The Ella Project serves 250 or more pro bono legal clients a year in matters of copyright, trademark, patent, contract negotiation, licensing, and for and nonprofit incorporation. Legal services are primarily delivered by The Ella Project’s Co-Founder, Ashlye Keaton, who is assisted by her team of Tulane Law School volunteers. This partnership with Tulane Law School, where Ashlye also teaches, helps The Ella Project provide high quality pro bono legal assistance and ensure the artists and organizations of Louisiana have access to justice.

What We Do

Pro bono legal services to low to moderate income artists and musicians. Supervised by Project Co-Founder Ashlye Keaton and her team of Tulane Law students, The Ella Project provides direct one on one assistance in matters of copyright, trademark, contract creation and review, licensing, business formation, nonprofit formation and bylaw creation/revision, and other matters germane to the arts. 

Pro bono legal assistance to low to moderate income inventors through our Louisiana Invents Program. Individuals seeking assistance with applying for patent protection can apply to this program to be matched with a registered patent attorney.

Provides the tools for creators to compete in the modern economy by offering workshops, forums, and multi session entrepreneurial training.

Provides one on one business consulting with industry experts through our Tete a Tete consultancy network.

Advocates for The Cultural Community by seeking creative proactive solutions to issue that affect Louisiana artists and our cultural landscape. 

The Ella Project is committed to non-profit transparency. We invite you to review our financial information and download our Form 990 from our Guidestar.org profile. The Ella Projects tax ID number is 81-2192048.