We are a 501c3, not-for-profit corporation headquartered on the West Bank of the Mississippi River in the Old Algiers section of New Orleans, Louisiana. We anchor an historic building located in the middle of a vibrant community known for its open, friendly people and as one of the earliest centers of jazz music in the United States.

We are a positive-vibe learning, teaching and entertainment, multi-use community center. Our community hub also features a meeting center, performance space, café, library, barbershop, salon and wellness center. Our organization enhances a community-centered group that has been developed to serve Old Algiers.

Our mission is to play a leading role in the local community by providing free music, art and educational programs to children between the ages of 4 and 17. Classes offered to the community are Music, Art, Reading and Writing and Basic Mannerisms and Etiquette. Our curricula strongly focuses on the development of pride and self-esteem in our students.

When Hurricane Katrina hit Algiers in 2005, few resources were made available and the community suffered. But the residents of Algiers persevered and today our neighborhood is in the midst of a strong revival and has become a diverse, dynamic and affordable community. The people of Algiers have shown a remarkable resiliency over its history, and we are contributing to the community’s resurgence by offering a fun environment in which to learn and build the self-esteem necessary for our children to succeed in today’s society.

We believe that it is critically important to instill a strong sense of self-esteem and pride in the younger generations, so they can take that with them as they progress through life. The best way to accomplish that goal is through education. We want to start them early, give them something that is fun to learn and to keep them coming back as they get older.

When kids do well at something, they get excited, and they want to do it more and to keep getting better. They feel good about themselves and that excitement positively effects their peers. Happy kids bring in happy parents, who will find a number of reasons to keep coming back to the AMAS Community Center. 

We see a path to gentrification forming in Old Algiers and we want to make sure that the people who live here now drive the economic growth in the area. We want the local community to reap the benefits of higher real estate values, higher income and better schools, restaurants and entertainment in Algiers. AMAS intends to play a central role in that process.

We are creating a substantial, positive impact on our neighborhood. We invite you to join us.