Our Story
In 2022, musician and educator Tim “Sully” Sullivan moved back to New Orleans after teaching and performing in New York City for over a decade.
In the Big Apple, he was introduced to the wonderful world of Experiential Learning while teaching at Jazz at Lincoln Center and studying at Teachers College, Columbia University. Returning to the Big Easy, he discovered just how powerful Experiential Learning could be in a city that epitomizes Experiential Arts.
While leading a group of high school musicians in 2023, Tim met Rachel Meese, a long-time New Orleanian, attorney, and parent to one of Tim’s students. With a background in visual art and photography, a passion for music and Mardi Gras, and experience in the nonprofit sector, Rachel saw the efficacy of Tim’s work as well as the potential to establish a framework for Experiential Arts that encompasses all mediums of art and areas of arts education.
In early 2025, Tim and Rachel registered NO FEAR with the State of Louisiana, were approved for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status by the IRS, and launched the NO FEAR Ambassadors program. In their first six months, the Ambassadors will make their debut performance at French Quarter Fest, embark on their inaugural cultural exchange mission to Costa Rica, and headline the NO FEAR Festival in June.
With Experiential Learning being applicable to all mediums of art and areas of arts education, by 2030, NO FEAR plans to expand its framework for Experiential Arts and reach young artists through music, standup and improv comedy, visual and media arts, movement and dance, theater, culinary arts, and more.