Kickstarter

Golden Feather Mardi Gras Indian Gallery and Coffeehouse will be the first of its kind in the city of New Orleans. This specialty establishment would provide a place for the Mardi Gras Indians as well as other city organizations to purchase their materials for their artistic presentations and traditions. At present there is no place in the city or even the state of Louisiana where Mardi Gras Indians can purchase all of their material goods needed to build their yearly astonishing suits. Mardi Gras Indians are utilizing six different shops between New Orleans and Metairie to purchase their merchandise, not to mention the trips to New York for wholesale items. Even when traveling to perform out of the country unique wares are purchased that cannot be found in New Orleans.

It is imperative that we have a one stop showroom in New Orleans that would include all the merchandise that artistic New Orleans Ambassadors need to keep their traditions alive. Not only would this location cater to the Mardi Gras Indians but it would also be a place for Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, Mardi Gras Krewes, Performing Arts Companies etc. to purchase their products.

Golden Feather will be a location that will offer to both tourists as well as locals the rich history and stories of the Mardi Gras Indians through lectures, movies and sewing demonstrations. Mardi Gras Indian Suits, framed art and traditional hand sewn pieces will be showcased throughout the store culminating into a stunning exhibit of fine art. Hence bringing the people of New Orleans as well as others from all walks of life together at a formidable meeting place. Since one of the critical features to Golden Feather would be a small coffeehouse featuring coffees and teas from around the world, the new Orleans culture of talking and relaxing would develop a comfortable atmosphere also developing the foresight of people making new connections in the city.

The success of Golden Feather is inevitable because within the city of New Orleans the market segment includes 60 Mardi Gras Indian Nations, 50 Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, a variety of performing art companies and of course the distinguished Mardi Gras Krewes that parade our streets yearly who all need this merchandise every single year. Golden Feather would stock feathers, fabric, sewing notions, and all the materials needed to start from beginning to end of a Mardi Gras Indian suit as well as other supplies needed for other city artists. Mardi Gras Indians would receive special discounts and all customers would benefit, as this shop would sell items at a rate less than currently retailed at other shops.

The Gallery and Coffeehouse would be located in 4,000 sq ft at 704 North Rampart in New Orleans. The setting of this location befits this establishment as it sits directly across the street from one of New Orleans most treasured historical landmarks – Congo Square, a backdrop of history.

The funds we receive from our backers would be used to complete structure build-out such as wall painting, lighting fixtures and flooring for the gallery.

The community of artists and organizations that we have personal relationships with are excited about this opening and although many are unable to invest financially they are committed to supporting us by purchasing from Golden Feather. We have spoken to the various Mardi Gras Indian Nations, leaders of the different Social Aid and Pleasure clubs and Performing Arts Companies about ordering and shopping with us when we are open and many have already began to make orders of feathers and fabric, in preparation for the upcoming Mardi Gras season. We also have a contractor who is willing to donate some build-out services.

Golden Feather will have a website which will educate the world on the quintessential traditions of the Mardi Gras Indian, while also selling its fine art, framed photos of Mardi Gras Indians, and gift items.

Golden Feather Mardi Gras Indian Gallery and Coffeehouse would be open 7 days a week with extended hours during Mardi Gras.

For further information on the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians visit:

http://www.zuluconnection.com/mardigrasindians.htm