June 22, 2022 | From City of New Orleans
MAYOR CANTRELL TRAVELS TO ASCONA, SWITZERLAND TO SIGN SISTER CITY AGREEMENT
NEW ORLEANS — Mayor LaToya Cantrell today is traveling to Ascona, Switzerland to participate in the official signing of a Sister City Agreement to foster a long-term partnership between the two cities. While there, Mayor Cantrell will sign the formal agreement with Mayor Luca Pissoglio on Saturday, June 25 at the Ascona City Hall and attend the Jazz Ascona Festival “Sister Cities Edition.”
"New Orleans and Ascona share the distinction of being among their respective continents' oldest city," said Mayor Cantrell. "New Orleans also shares with our sister city a deep appreciation and respect for jazz, as evidenced by our annual jazz festivals. I appreciate and welcome this cultural exchange of music, art, and ideas, while simultaneously sharing the richness and diversity of New Orleans. Our similarities and commonalities extend beyond this cultural exchange and Sister City agreement. Both of our low-lying cities sit on the frontlines of climate change, and this agreement creates additional opportunities to work hand in hand to share tools and resources that address the global crises greatly impacting the places we call home. It is my hope that also through this agreement, we will bring our cultures and ideas together to gain and foster a greater understanding of the world we live in. Mayor Pissoglio and I look forward to a bright future that continues to celebrate and share our cultural, environmental, and economic ties.”
Through this formal agreement, Mayor Cantrell and Mayor Pissoglio will be able to share valuable resources and approaches in economics, education and culture. It will also allow the cities of New Orleans and Ascona to create educational partnerships and developments, including joint research, study abroad and teaching programs.
“JazzAscona: Sister Cities Edition” underscores the unique ties between New Orleans and Ascona. The event will feature more than 200 concerts and 300 musicians, as well as events such as gospel choirs, jam sessions, exhibits, conferences and films.
As part of the visit, Mayor Cantrell will present Mayor Pissoglio with a one-of-a-kind painting by New Orleans artist Kenneth Scott, Jr., titled We Are the Streets. The portrait represents New Orleans’ Afro-centric culture, which was specifically made for the City of Ascona. During the ceremonies, Mayor Cantrell will also present the Sister Cities Award to New Orleans-based non-profit organization Roots of Music, highlighting the group’s work with youth in music education, academic support and mentorship. Roots of Music has extraordinarily served New Orleans youth year-round, five days a week for over 15 years.
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