A non-profit organization founded in 1978 by Dennis G. Assaf, Jefferson Performing Arts is dedicated to the artistic and cultural enrichment of the Gulf South. Prior to its inception, professional arts offerings were virtually non-existent in Jefferson Parish. Additionally, citizens had no real venue in which to enjoy the arts in their home parish. Dennis G. Assaf and Hannah Cunningham realized the serious artistic void that existed in this community, which relied on neighboring Orleans Parish for its cultural diversions. Together, they set out to make a change. A critical element of JPA's mission to support and promote the arts in this area was "to be the catalyst to build a true performing arts facility for Jefferson Parish." JPA led the charge and championed the need for a state-of-the-art performance venue in Jefferson Parish, resulting in the building of the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, which opened in 2015.
In 1998, JPA sought and secured $15 million in state funding for a new performing arts venue in Jefferson Parish through the dedicated leadership of the late State Senators Ken Hollis and John Hainkel, then Representative John A. Alario, Jr. and then Representative (and now US Congressman) Steve Scalise. Groundbreaking of the new Jefferson Performing Arts Center took place in February 2007 at LaSalle Park in Metairie, a location recommended by the efforts of JPA. The facility opened on July 20, 2015, with a Grand Gala concert featuring the JPA Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Dennis G. Assaf, the Jefferson Chorale, The JPA Theatre Kids! Competition Team, and performances by numerous guest artists and JPA Composer in Residence Glyn Bailey.
Since 2022, JPA has served as managers of Jefferson Performing Arts Center, and remain the Artists-in-Residence.
In 2000, after 22 years of proven arts leadership in the community, JPA was chosen by then State Representative John A. Alario, Jr, the Mayor and City Council of Westwego to manage the newly constructed Westwego Performing Arts Theatre (WPAT). The Grand Opening of the theatre took place in October 2004 with nine performances of the Broadway-hit Chicago. Never had the West Bank of Jefferson Parish experienced such quality and variety of arts programming that JPA brought and continues to bring each year since.
Through its diverse year-round programming at both East Bank and West Bank venues that include Broadway musicals, dramas, concerts, comedy shows and ballets, including distinguished guest artists of all genres from around the world, as well as the return to touring select JPA shows throughout the Gulf South, JPA has rightfully earned the reputation as "Louisiana's Cultural Leader. "
In 2024, JPA changed its name from Jefferson Performing Arts Society to Jefferson Performing Arts to reflect its continued evolution as a vital leader in the local arts community. Read the full press release here.