The Bossier Arts Council (BAC) officially unveiled its new headquarters at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets on May 5, marking a major turning point for an organization that has spent recent months navigating uncertainty, transition and change.

In partnership with the Bossier Chamber of Commerce, the council hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony inside the new location, welcoming media representatives, chamber diplomats, artists and community supporters eager to celebrate what leaders described as the beginning of a new chapter. The new headquarters is located inside the former Express outlet store.

The opening represents far more than a change of address.

For the past several months, the Bossier Arts Council has been working through one of the most significant transitions in its more than 45-year history. After decades inside the Old Municipal Building in the East Bank District, the organization was forced to seek a new home following the City of Bossier’s decision to terminate its cooperative agreement.

While the loss of its longtime headquarters created uncertainty surrounding the future of the organization, council leadership repeatedly emphasized that its mission to support arts and culture in Northwest Louisiana would continue.

Despite losing its permanent home at the time, programming never fully stopped, and all full-time staff members were able to remain on payroll. Leaders worked to keep exhibitions, community events and educational initiatives alive through partnerships, pop-up events and alternative venues while simultaneously reorganizing operations and searching for a sustainable long-term solution.

The new Boardwalk location now provides that opportunity.

According to the organization, the new headquarters will allow for expanded community engagement, artistic programming and educational initiatives while reaffirming the council’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural enrichment throughout Bossier City and beyond.

Visitors attending the grand opening were able to tour the facility’s two gallery spaces, which will continue operating as the East Bank Gallery and Virginia Cook Gallery. Both galleries currently feature the “We’ve Got Your BAC” Open Call Show, an exhibition showcasing more than 85 original pieces created by local artists. The exhibition fills the new space with paintings, mixed-media works and other creative pieces intended to bring energy and vibrancy to the walls of the new headquarters.

The event also served as the public introduction of the organization’s new executive director, Amber Dawn Landrum, whose hiring signals another major step in the council’s rebuilding efforts.

A Bossier City native, Landrum brings a diverse background in theater, music, film, photography and arts education to the role. Since childhood, she has been involved in pageantry, theater productions, film projects and visual arts. She attended Bossier Parish Community College on theater and music scholarships before pursuing work in film and commercial acting.

Beyond performing, Landrum has spent years helping other creatives develop their talents through acting programs and artistic mentorship opportunities. She also operates a pottery painting business and works as a photographer providing headshots for creatives of all ages.

Her hiring comes after months of organizational restructuring that BAC leaders say was aimed at strengthening operations and improving long-term sustainability. During that period, they also addressed concerns related to previously missed financial audit submissions, stating the issue was corrected after being identified and that documentation had been submitted to comply with Louisiana Legislative Auditor requirements.

At the ribbon cutting, board leadership expressed optimism about the future direction of the organization under Landrum’s leadership.

“We are excited about our new home and the fresh vision that Amber Dawn brings to the Bossier Arts Council,” said Emerie Eck Holtzclaw, newly appointed board president. “Her passion for the arts and community involvement will undoubtedly drive our mission forward and expand our reach.”

Landrum said returning to the organization where her artistic journey began makes the opportunity especially meaningful.

“I am ecstatic to be stepping into the role of executive director of the Bossier Arts Council, especially coming back to the place that gave me my start on stage. It feels a little full-circle, and I can’t wait to keep building something really special and colorful for our community,” Landrum said.

In recent months, the organization has also received significant public support from local artists, patrons, educators and businesses, many of whom advocated for the council during its transition. Leaders say that support reinforced the important role the arts continue to play in shaping the identity and culture of Bossier City.

The council also thanked the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets for partnering with the organization and helping provide a new space where arts programming and artist outreach can continue to grow.

While the move marks the end of one era for the Bossier Arts Council, leaders say the focus now is firmly on the future. With a new home, new leadership and renewed community support, the organization hopes to continue expanding access to the arts while rebuilding with greater stability, transparency and resilience.

The new headquarters is located at 355 Boardwalk Blvd. in Bossier City and is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

This article was originally published in the June 2026 issue of Three 18 Insider magazine.