The Louisiana World Exposition was the 1984 World's Fair held in New Orleans. Though a financial disappointment, the Fair is widely viewed as an artistic success. It also hastened the opening of the riverfront and the Warehouse District to new development .

Artworks '84 was the major arts component of the Fair. The Official Guidebook described Artworks '84 as follows:

"All the best the world of art has to offer is presented at Artworks '84. Here, the visitor can talk to a practicing artist at work and watch as he fashions his delicate piece from beginning to end and gaze in amazement as raw materials are tu rned into priceless treasures. Artworks '84 is situated in a gallery and studio atmosphere in the Great Hall. Artists-in-residence from all over the country demonstrate their work in an array of different media including paper mache, performance art, environmental sculpture, oil painting and wood and metal sculpture. The artists in residence will rotate at intervals during the Fair, giving return visitors a chance to see different artists at work throughout the six months of the Fair.

Louisiana 'Major Works 1984' showcases some of the finest painting, drawing, sculpture and photography by 51 major Louisiana artists. This exhibit is supported in part by a grant from the Louisiana State Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

A one-person show of the photography of Clarence John Laughlin, well-known for his incisive photography of Louisiana themes, will be ongoing throughout the Fair's duration. Solo shows by Louisiana artists Clyde Connell, Tina Girouard, Robert Warrens, Robe rt Gordy, George Dureau and Gerald Cannon will each remain in the gallery for one month.

The final section explores the various uses of video as art. This exhibit is sponsored by Capital Bank of Baton Rouge and the Beard's Fund."

The records for the most part comprise file folders on approximately 365 individual artists (and in some cases arts organizations or cooperatives) who registered to participate in Artworks '84. The content of individual files varies. Some include single c ards advertising the artist's work while others include photographs of art works, resumes, correspondence, and publicity materials.