If you’ve been to the NUNU Arts & Culture Collective in Arnaudville, you’ve experienced the cultural hospitality of George Marks.
The artist and sculptor, who is an Arnaudville native, founded the ragtag community of artists, musicians and southwest Louisiana cultural ambassadors over 15 years ago. In that time, the organization has developed into a thriving spot for live shows, gallery exhibitions, language tables and residency spaces for visiting artists from around the world.
In January, Marks also opened Café NUNU to translate international flavors and foodways into the universal language — a shared meal.
For his work at NUNU Arts & Culture Collective, and his background in developing cultural exchange programs that promote the Acadiana region to the rest of the world, Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet has named Marks as the Director of International Trade and Development for the Lafayette Consolidated Government.
The role was previously held by Dave Domingue from 2021 to 2025, followed by Sami Parbhoo as interim director. The position includes leading the Lafayette International Center, which participates in global trade and development discussions that leverage the region’s cultural and economic assets.
Right, Festival creator, Ravi Daggula congratulates George Marks for his work creating an artist community in Arnaudville, La at the commencement of the Sterling Grove Festival located in the historic neighborhood on the Northside of Lafayette, Friday, March 21, 2025.
“Lafayette’s culture has always been our competitive advantage and our connection to the world,” said Mayor-President Boulet. “George understands how to translate that culture into opportunity. His leadership will help us continue building Lafayette as a place where culture, business, and global partnerships come together to drive growth.”
Marks will focus on expanding international trade connections, supporting local organizations in accessing global markets, and positioning Lafayette as a hub for cultural exchange and collaboration. The Lafayette International Center was established in 1989 by Mayor Dud Lastrapes, to serve as Lafayette’s administrative face to the world.
Marks said, “we have a unique cultural identity that already resonates globally, and there’s real opportunity to grow both new and existing partnerships. Let’s build on what makes our community so special and continue moving Lafayette forward.”
According to the Boulet administration, they plan to coordinate with community and regional partners to help shape the next phase of Lafayette’s international strategy, as Marks steps into the role.
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.theadvocate.com ’
