Shreveport, LA - In a distressing turn of events, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has come under fire from local artists in Shreveport, Louisiana, for its alleged mistreatment and intimidation. 

Artists in the city have long faced challenges since the pandemic, but their struggles have been exacerbated by the DDA's actions. The authority has been accused of using its economic power to suppress the arts downtown and in District B with threats of violence. One particularly disturbing incident involved Tim Huck, a standing board member of the DDA and owner of the Phoenix Underground. According to reports, Huck threatened to kill a music manager at gunpoint over a payment dispute. This incident raises concerns about the safety of artists working for the DDA and our artists who participate in the Shreveport Downtown Artwalk. The DDA has also been criticized for its pejorative attitude toward Black-owned businesses and the houseless population. 

"The message that Tim Huck and the DDA are giving here is that if you're an artist or a musician and are hired for an event downtown or otherwise, then you stand a good chance of not being paid and having your life threatened with a gun," said one artist who spoke on condition of anonymity. The reports of mistreatment come as the DDA has benefited from substantial grants that use artists to their benefit, raising questions about the use of these funds. "If you're an artist in Shreveport and you're not in survival mode, then you're a privileged artist. These reports are disturbing and raise serious concerns about the role of the DDA in the local art community," said local tattoo artist, Micah Harold. 

"We urge the Mayor and the City Council to address these allegations and work towards the abolishment of the Downtown Development Authority and her sister corporation, the Shreveport Downtown Development Corporation".

The incident involving Huck has sparked outrage among artists and community members, who are calling for his resignation and accountability from the DDA. 

"Artists are the lifeblood of our city's culture," said  Harold. "We will not tolerate any intimidation or threats against them. I've been meeting with various community organizers to discuss the negative effects of the DDA and what locals can do to combat their vitriol, blatant racism, and cruelty towards the house and people of color. 

Until artists can be guaranteed a safe space to contribute in Shreveport's Arts Districts, relationships between artists and the DDA in Shreveport remain deeply strained."

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Huck’s arrest, under booking ID 407228, was made by Officer P. T. Williams and recorded under case number 23157800.

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