NOLA Artist Incubator is proud to be a 2024 recipient of Norfolk Southern’s Thriving Communities Grant Program. The Incubator has been awarded $15,000 in grant funding by Norfolk Southern Corporation to support its mission to create a network of makers for more equitable and sustainable New Orleans. The funds will be used for continuation of the St. Roch Avenue Revitalization Project in District D.

“This funding will have an immediate impact on the work we do and impact we’re working to achieve in the community of St. Roch” said Lissie Stewart, M. Ed, Executive Director of the nonprofit. “We’re thankful to Norfolk Southern for investing in our community and for supporting our mission.”

Funding from this grant will be applied to the second phase of the St. Roch Revitalization Project, starting at N. Johnson St. And St. Roch Avenue. The Incubator has recently facilitated the fabrication and installation of a “Welcome to St. Roch” iron sign, native plant garden, and new seating area at this location. Funds from Norfolk Southern will be used to create walking paths in the neutral ground starting from this location.

The grant is part of two community programs launched by Norfolk Southern in 2023: the Safety
First Grant Program, which seeks to advance safety organizations and initiatives, and the
Thriving Communities Grant Program, which aims to promote economic opportunity, support
vibrant community life, and provide equal access to basic necessities. Award recipients are
selected annually from across the railroad’s 22-state network.

About NOLA Artist Incubator

The Incubator is rooted in arts, education, and sustainability. As such the aim of the nonprofit is working with culture bearers and youth to grow gardens, green spaces, and environmentally focused public art that gives back to the community. We believe in the power of art to transform spaces.

About Norfolk Southern

Since 1827, Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor companies have
safely moved the goods and materials that drive the U.S. economy. Today, it operates a
customer-centric and operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to furthering
sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of
yearly carbon emissions by shipping via rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7
million carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the largest rail shipper of
auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the most extensive
intermodal network in the eastern U.S., serving a majority of the country’s population and
manufacturing base, with connections to every major container port on the Atlantic coast as well
as the Gulf of Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting http://www.NorfolkSouthern.com.