Last Fall, Arts for LA welcomed Erikk Aldridge (Vice President of Impact at LA28) to our annual State of the Arts Summit to participate in a fireside chat about the Cultural Olympiad and LA28’s local efforts to include the arts and culture in their planning. Arts for LA has heard from arts organizations, arts workers, and advocates over the last year about the importance of equity, exposure, and lasting legacy leading up to, during and following the Olympic Games. In response, we wrote a letter with community partners to LA City Councilwoman Traci Park, Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on the 2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games, to not only share an overview of the Cultural Olympiad, but to also share the results from a survey distributed to our organizational members. It highlights the following needs and priorities:

• Increased awareness around the Cultural Olympiad
• Timely information and updates
• Access to opportunities and funding
• Amplifying the cultural heritage and legacy of Los Angeles

Additionally, our conversation with Erikk was featured as a top story in DTLA news just last week. Jimmy Magahern’s article “The ‘Cultural Olympiad’: DTLA arts community is thinking 4 years ahead,” highlights our Creative Jobs Collective Impact Initiative and connects our cross-sectoral efforts to the Cultural Olympiad, the Olympic Games, and broader advocacy efforts across the region. We are proud to be a member of the LA28 Local Hiring Work Group and will continue to advocate for meaningful participation from arts and culture organizations in the Olympiad planning process.

READ OUR LETTER

READ DCA’S REPORT

Hi Arts Advocates,

Another month gone – 2024 is flying by! I hope you’ve found time for rest, self-love, and joy as we continue to push for a more equitable world and sustainable arts ecosystem. This month, I am pleased to announce that our first ever Progress Report has been released. It provides an overview of our progress from the last year and details the needs and concerns we’ve heard from the field. I encourage you to read it and take a moment to celebrate. There is always more to do, but it is important to recognize our wins and embrace the satisfaction before jumping back into the work. 

Our report dives deeps, but there are a few additional updates this month:

Organizational Grant Program (OGP)

The Department of Arts and Culture’s flagship Organizational Grant Program (OGP) provides critical support and stability to arts and culture nonprofit organizations every year. Between 2021 and 2022 alone, 431 grantees served a total of 72.7 million people. Still, the OGP budget has remained generally static since 2007 despite the total number of grantees increasing by nearly 57 percent. Take action now to urge the LA County Board of Supervisors to prioritize an increase next fiscal year. 

Arts Education

The first principal apportionment for Prop 28 was distributed on February 20. For those interested in details, you can review them here. 

Arts for LA is working in partnership with Arts Education Alliance of the Bay Area to create a Prop 28 resource for CBOs, but in the meantime, if you’re an aspiring educator and want to learn more about existing pathways – start here. If you’re a school administrator curious about how to plan around Prop 28 – start here. 

Last month, we welcomed Lindsey Kunisaki as our 2024 Laura Zucker Fellow and she will be studying the impacts of Prop 28 funding in schools. Her report will be released later this year. 

Digital Discrimination

Last month, CA State Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) introduced AB2239, landmark legislation that would make California the first state in the nation to codify the Federal Communication Commission’s newly adopted definition of digital discrimination as California law:

The FCC defined “digital discrimination of access” as, “policies or practices, not justified by genuine issues of technical or economic feasibility, that (1) differentially impact consumers; access to broadband internet access service based on their income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion, or national origin or (2) are intended to have such differential impact.”

Statewide and Regional Networks (SRN) Grant Program

Last October, the California Arts Council proposed an end to the SRN grant program, which would have defunded arts service organizations across the state. In response, Arts for LA helmed a joint letter with regional partners to urge reconsideration. We also worked with our partners at Californians for the Arts to mobilize SRNs towards public comment. As a result of our collective action, the program was put back on the table and new  guidelines were approved last week.

Applications open March 28 for organizations with budgets under $5M. Applicants may request up to $50,000.

This is more proof that advocacy works! Arts service organizations are the coral reef of California’s arts ecosystem and together, we rise. I’m endlessly grateful to be in this work with you. See you next month, Changemakers.

Always,

Ricky

In our annual Community Listening Sessions, we heard requests for more frequent updates on regional progress and advocacy. This monthly series, led by Ricky Abilez, Director of Policy & Advocacy, will review highlights in state and local policy, advocacy wins, and calls to action. 

Updates

We hosted 5 Listening Sessions and 1 Public Forum, culminating in a final discussion this month, which will inform a formal Progress Report scheduled for release in February. Stay tuned!

Funding

The Governor released his proposed budget earlier this month. Key highlights with implications for arts education include: 

Increased funding for K-12 schools to address resource gaps and improve educational outcomes.

Investments in technology and infrastructure to support modern learning environments. This includes remote learning opportunities.

Expansion of vocational and technical education programs to better align with workforce needs. This includes recognizing completion of a bachelor’s degree as satisfying the basic skills requirement for a credential and improving transcript review to certify subject matter competency. 

Additionally, the Budget directs the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to create a new Elementary Arts and Music Education authorization for career technical education (CTE) teachers, for additional pathways for experienced artists to provide arts instruction in elementary school classrooms.

Creative Jobs

We are a proud member of LA28’s Local Hiring Work Group and continue to advocate on behalf of the arts and culture sector for meaningful inclusion in planning. The City Department of Cultural Affairs has released an important report on local preparedness. Read more here.

We are thrilled to have a report scheduled with the Board of Supervisors on April 9, 2024 to provide recommendations on how we meet the promise of 10,000 creative sector job placements with a living wage for historically underrepresented communities. Stay tuned to learn more about how you can get involved!

Digital Discrimination

In partnership with the Digital Equity LA Coalition, our advocacy helped the City of LA make history by becoming the first city in the nation to adopt a digital discrimination ordinance. Angelenos will now be able to file grievances regarding disparities in internet pricing and have them investigated by the City.

This is merely a few of the many steps towards progress that Arts for LA is proud to be a part of. None of it would be possible without you. See you next month, changemakers. 

Always,

Ricky

California Arts Council: Proposed Changes

The Statewide and Regional Networks grant program is one of few that support arts service organizations serving as backbones in our arts and cultural ecosystem to build more unity, capacity, and collective impact.

The CAC Programs Policy Committee has proposed an end to this program, along with several other changes that would destabilize the field and promote zero sum thinking.

SHARE YOUR VOICE

Submit written comment ahead of the CAC’s discussion on November 17th, or tune in at 10AM PST to share verbal public comment in opposition to these changes. You can also sign this petition.

November 17th Agenda

Suggested Talking Points:

• We recognize and support the CAC’s intention to find ways to more equitably fund arts and culture and address the historic marginalization of communities of color. However, the assumptions underlying these proposals do not fully reflect the lived experience of folks on the ground, nor do they address the root causes of inequity. 
• We are grateful that the CAC is no longer considering the termination of the SRN program as it would create a significant void in funding for arts service organizations, hindering their ability to provide crucial support to California-based artists. 
• In some cases, SRNs are fiscal sponsors that enable small unincorporated organizations to access critical state funding. 
• Still, concerns remain regarding the change in requirements. We need more clarity on what constitutes a “arts producing” organization. How will SRNs gather the required data? Will support from the CAC be provided? Can the data gathering process be contracted out to a research firm? 
• The constant changes made by CAC to its programs are damaging to the field and detailed implementation plans are important to build and sustain public support. 
• Conduct a more comprehensive review of these proposals that considers the potential impact on the arts ecosystem.
• Conduct adequate data analysis and provide time for grantees to plan and adjust when significant changes are proposed. 
• Work in partnership with and unite the arts ecosystem to solve the structural problems that impact the agency and the field, including its historic undercapitalization. 

A Statement from Ricky Abilez, Director of Policy & Advocacy

We want to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) on successfully reaching historic agreements with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). 

These landmark deals not only signify a triumph for WGA and SAG-AFTRA members, but also underscore the importance of solidarity in achieving meaningful change. By standing united, writers and performers have demonstrated their commitment to securing equitable compensation, improved working conditions, Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA) increases, pension caps, and wraparound support like increased health contributions.

As we commend the resolve shown in these negotiations, it’s crucial to also recognize the evolving landscape of technology—including artificial intelligence—which poses both opportunities and challenges. It is more important than ever for all of us to champion the rights and contributions of creative human professionals while navigating the intersection of AI and storytelling.

The outcome of these negotiations serves as inspiration for future movements. It highlights the transformative power of collective bargaining and emphasizes the significance of fostering a collaborative environment that values the work of every individual in the arts, culture, and entertainment ecosystem.

Onward,

Arts for LA

Read more about the SAG-AFTRA deal here.

Read more about the WGA deal here.

California Arts Council: Proposed Changes

The Statewide and Regional Networks grant program is one of few that support arts service organizations serving as backbones in our arts and cultural ecosystem to build more unity, capacity, and collective impact.

The CAC Programs Policy Committee has proposed an end to this program, along with several other changes that would destabilize the field and promote zero sum thinking.

SHARE YOUR VOICE

Submit written comment ahead of the CAC’s discussion on November 17th, or tune in at 10AM PST to share verbal public comment in opposition to these changes. You can also sign this petition, which advocates for $20 million in additional funding,

November 17th Agenda

Suggested Talking Points:

• We recognize and support the CAC’s intention to find ways to more equitably fund arts and culture and address the historic marginalization of communities of color. However, the assumptions underlying these proposals do not fully reflect the lived experience of folks on the ground, nor do they address the root causes of inequity. 
• Terminating the SRN program would create a significant void in funding for arts service organizations, hindering their ability to provide crucial support to California-based artists. It would also negatively impact organizations led by people of color and organizations that rely on SRN grants to fund their racial and cultural equity work.
• In some cases, SRNs are even fiscal sponsors that enable small unincorporated organizations to access critical state funding.
• The constant changes made by CAC to its programs are damaging to the field.
• Oppose the recommendations put forth by the Policy Programs Committee. 
• Conduct a more comprehensive review of these proposals that considers the potential impact on the arts ecosystem.
• Conduct adequate data analysis and provide time for grantees to plan and adjust when significant changes are proposed. 
• Work in partnership with and unite the arts ecosystem to solve the structural problems that impact the agency and the field, including its historic undercapitalization. 

MOTION FOR THE ARTS

Supervisor Kathryn Barger has introduced an important motion honoring The County Department of Arts and Culture and uplifting the impact of the arts on the economy and the general well being of Angelenos across the County. It will be on the next Board of Supervisors agenda: October 3, 2023 as Item #13.

The motion states “As the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, with the Arts Commission, celebrates its 75th anniversary, and the Arts Education Collective celebrates its 20th anniversary, we’re reminded of the longstanding role of the arts in our neighborhoods.”

The motion also:

• Instructs the CEO to work with County departments to promote arts and culture events, educational materials, and resources, including content for social media.
• Establishes a social media campaign to build public will and knowledge around the arts.
• Instructs the Department of Arts and Culture to create a virtual map of arts programs in the County.
• Requests cross departmental collaboration to identify potential opportunities for grant support, arts education, internships, and pathways.

SHARE YOUR VOICE

Submit Written Comment Here in Support of Item 13

Suggested Talking Points:

• LA ranks #1 in the nation for arts providers per capita but #259 in government funding allocation.
• With nonprofit performing arts organizations shuttering, canceling programming, and laying off staff, it is more vital than ever to uplift and invest in the arts and culture sector.
• In a 2023 report by CVL Economics on California’s live performing arts sector, state and local governments lost nearly $1 billion in tax revenue due to pandemic impacts on the performing arts in 2021 alone, and if current trends continue, state and local governments could see a combined $4.1 billion loss in tax revenue over a four-year period.
• In July, the Department of Arts and Culture made a historic investment of $31 million in arts funding to nonprofits, $26 million of which was through the American Rescue Plan Act, the largest public sector arts grant program in the history of the region. Though this is a major step forward, we must sustain this support.
• The arts are so much more than mere entertainment and play a pivotal role in society: they serve as a reflection of our culture and history. They promote social cohesion and bring people from diverse backgrounds together, encouraging dialogue, and bridging gaps in understanding.
• Active participation in the arts, whether through creation or appreciation, enhances cognitive abilities, creativity, and critical thinking skills. This not only enriches individuals but also contributes to a more innovative and civically engaged society.
• I encourage your unanimous support of this motion and urge you to increase funding for programs like the OGP at The Department of Arts and Culture.

LA Times: ‘The Pause Heard ’Round the Theater World’

Comments from Ricky Abilez, Director of Policy & Advocacy, Arts for LA

On June 15, Center Theatre Group announced that it would be pausing programming at the Mark Taper Forum indefinitely. As a flagship theatre at one of the country’s largest regional organizations, the news spurred shock, sadness, and even anxiety among performing arts leaders nationwide.

The Performing Arts sector is continuing to grapple with the repercussions of pandemic shutdowns and an unstable economy. The Los Angeles Times said it most succinctly, the result has been “drastic cuts to programming, layoffs, candid pleas to subscribers about an industry-wide emergency and, in L.A., the indefinite shutdown of what for decades has been the city’s most prominent and important home for drama.”

At most performing arts institutions, audiences remain under pre-pandemic levels and in 2021 alone, the state’s Performing Arts sector lost a decade’s worth of job growth. While some theaters reopened after two years of closure, many were forced to shut their doors for good, particularly those serving historically marginalized communities. The recent Center Stage study by CVL Economics found that if current trends continue, state and local governments could see a combined $4.1 billion loss in tax revenue.

CTG’s news is yet another signal that investing in performing arts organizations is more crucial than ever. We must fund SB1116, the law known as the Equitable Payroll Fund, and continue to make the case that the arts are not simply a means of entertainment, but an economic force, social reflector, and cultural beacon of hope.

I urge all of you to read this article, take action, and support the vibrant and gripping performances at regional theaters of all sizes across Southern California.

The Performing Arts sector has long been a bedrock of California’s vibrant creative economy. Yet over the last few years, due to the global pandemic, the sector has faced various challenges ranging from venue closures and operational capacity to audience re-engagement. To further examine these impacts, Theatre Producers of Southern California, Actor’s Equity Association, and Arts for LA commissioned a research report authored by CVL economics. The study found that employment rates were rapidly increasing before the pandemic (43% between 2001 and 2019 – twice as fast as the overall economy), however, in 2021 alone, the state’s Performing Arts sector lost a decade’s worth of job growth. If current trends continue, state and local governments could see a combined $4.1 billion loss in tax revenue.

1. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT!
2. SPREAD THE WORD BY SHARING OUR SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLKIT!
3. TAKE ACTION IN SUPPORT OF CALIFORNIA PERFORMING ARTS SECTOR!

FEATURED IN LA TIMES HERE.

A Statement from Gustavo Herrera, CEO of Arts for LA

As a passionate advocate for arts and culture, Arts for LA stands in solidarity with the members of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) who made the decision to go on strike on May 2, and members of SAG-AFTRA who are currently in negotiations and voted to authorize their own strike if an agreement isn’t reached before their contract expires on June 30. We recognize and appreciate the immense talent, creativity, and hard work that writers, actors, and media artists bring to the film, television, and radio industries. Their stories captivate and inspire us and help to shape the cultural landscape we all cherish.

At Arts for LA, we believe it’s essential to prioritize equitable pay and a living wage for the tireless work artists and arts workers provide to the creative economy. Our advocacy centers access, opportunity, and sustainability which is reflected in our Creative Jobs Collective Impact Initiative.

We also understand the uncertainties and challenges that arise from this situation; that the pause in work has already had far-reaching effects on various sectors within the entertainment industry. From production crews to directors to technicians, the impact has been felt by many.

As an organization committed to promoting and advocating for arts and culture, we believe it is imperative for all sides to come to the table, engage in meaningful dialogue, and work towards a resolution that uplifts writers, actors, and media artists not only financially but also by valuing their essential roles in shaping the stories we love.

Members of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA deserve contracts that reflect the true value of their contributions. Together, let us foster an environment that celebrates the artistry of writers, actors, and media artists and that guarantees a bright future for the film and television industries so we may continue impacting lives through creativity.