Newsroom

We’re growing, we’re hiring, and we’ve got events! Read on for more!

We hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. To our parents, students, and educators, we trust preparation for a new school year is well on its way! Last month, we introduced a new programmatic direction for Arts for LA. We are excited to share our progress and invite you to our upcoming public programs.

This fall, Arts for LA will present two invigorating arts community events to connect this great community of arts advocates. First, join us for a very special Pop-Up Art Show on September 21 at Art Share LA. All proceeds support Arts for LA and its programs. And, this November 1, arts advocates will come out in force for our inaugural State of the Arts Summit: Pathways and Places!

Arts for LA is expanding! Our new board members bring us a broad breadth of experience from entertainment production, urban development and planning, and arts administration. Also, Arts for LA  hiring a Director of Organizing and a Director of Public Policy and Advocacy.

We thank you for your support of Arts for LA, and we ask that you become a contributing member of Arts for LA today. Our new Membership Program invites individuals and organizations to deepen your investment with Arts for LA and to join our movement to advocate for arts for all.

Lastly, Arts for LA is assessing the affordability of live and workspace for artists in the county. If you are an artist who has lived in LA within the last two years, we invite you to fill out this survey and share your input. Your responses to this brief survey will help inform Arts for LA’s 2020 policy agenda.

Onward,

Gustavo Herrera
Executive Director, Arts for LA

UPDATE: PRIVATE PERCENT FOR ART
Last month Arts for LA and some of our stellar Arts Advocates emailed county representatives and convened at the Board of County Supervisors Meeting to provide testimony in support of the 1% for Art Los Angeles County Ordinance.

The ordinance proposes a 1% fee on new, privately developed commercial, industrial, and residential projects valued at a minimum of $750,000 to fund civic art. The city of Los Angeles has had a similar fee since 1991, and this ordinance would apply to the unincorporated areas of LA County.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted its intent to impose a 1 percent civic art fee on non-residential developments in unincorporated areas, but postponed a decision on whether to do the same for residential projects. This vote also directed staff to report back on how credits would be implemented for projects that include some affordable units and to present a full list of fees that the county assesses on residential development for further consideration.

The next hearing for this ordinance is on September 23, 2019, and we will continue to update you on this effort in our September Newsletter.

LEARN MORE

NEW MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM!
Have seen our social media campaign launching our new membership program? You may still be asking yourself, Why should I (or my organization) become a member of Arts for LA?

Arts for LA is the only organization that advocates for arts and culture across disciplines and across sectors, 24/7. We are building a movement – a network of individuals and organizations united for advocating for access to the arts, arts equity, and arts funding – of which our members are the key benefactors.

Membership support is critical for Arts for LA to deepen this movement and its impact, ensuring arts and culture are perceived as vital for a healthy and rich Los Angeles County. Still not a member? Why not? Join today!

ARTS FOR LA IS HIRING
Arts for LA is hiring two brand new positions: a Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, and a Director of Organizing. Both are full time positions and are a part of Arts for LA’s vision for an organization focused on advocacy and connecting our networks of artists and arts organizations. Click below for more information.

LEARN MORE
KEEP ARTISTS IN LOS ANGELES

Our 2019 Laura Zucker Fellow, Allison Agsten, has been hard at work researching affordable spaces and policy solutions for LA County, and now she needs your help. Are you an artist who has lived in LA within the last two years? A study is underway to assess the affordability of live and workspace for artists in the county.

We invite you to fill out this survey and share your input, it will only take a few minutes to complete. Your responses to this brief survey will help inform Arts for LA’s 2020 policy agenda.

Complete Survey Here!

UPCOMING EVENTS
SAVE THE DATE

State of the Arts Summit: Pathways and Places

This fall, Arts for LA presents our inaugural State of the Arts Summit: Pathways and Places. Previously known as LA Convergence, this event is the annual opportunity for artists, arts organizations, and  the community to connect and learn from one another. Our Laura Zucker fellow, Allison Agsten, will be presenting her research and policy proposal for affordable arts spaces throughout Los Angeles, and our speakers will be addressing issues of creative career pathways, equitable arts education, funding and much more.

This Summit will be held on Friday, November 1st at the Los Angeles Theatre Center! We hope you will save the date and plan to join us.

Theme Park Artists Pop-Up Art Show: September 21

Arts for LA, in partnership with Art Share LA and Mycotoo is hosting an exclusive, one night only, Pop-Up Art Show to celebrate the passion and talent of the different artistic disciplines of the themed entertainment industry!

What: Art Show featuring art, designs, and other works created by the brilliant minds behind some of your favorite theme park attractions and experiences including: Meow Wolf, Warner Brothers, Disney, Evermore Park, and Universal Studios.

When: Saturday, September 21 from 6pm-10pm.

Where: Art Share LA 801 E 4th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90013

General Admission: $10

VIP: $100
The VIP experience includes parking and one hour early admission into the event an hour before to join the artists for hors d’oeuvres, wine, and entertainment.

If you are a member of Arts for LA at a level that receives discounts on event tickets, email us at info@artsforla.org to receive your code.
All of the funds raised from this event will go directly to Arts for LA.
Click the button below to purchase your tickets today, see you there!

Buy Tickets Here

The Other Art Fair – Free Admission!

Our Arts for LA community is invited to The Other Art Fair, September 5-8 at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Presented by Saatchi Art in partnership with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE®️. Saatchi Art has generously offered free tickets to those interested, see more info below!

140 emerging artists, #FindYourCanvas creativity workshops with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE®, internationally renowned UK artist duo The Connor Brothers, curator-led tours led by Saatchi Art, Chulita Vinyl Club DJ sets, free haikus by the Haiku Guys, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin cocktails, hand-poked tattooing by Moon Tattoo and more.

Click the button below, use code ARTS4LA and select the day you’d like to visit!

Register Here!

WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Arts for LA is growing! We are excited to welcome our three newest members to our Board of Directors: Rochelle Mills, Felicia Rosenfeld, and Cliff Warner.

Rochelle Mills is President and CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO) where she is responsible for implementing the organization’s vision and growing its portfolio of high-quality affordable housing. Prior to joining IHO, she and her husband founded mills studio. Their high-end designs were featured on FineLiving, Homes Across American and other television and publications. Ms. Mills also founded Architours, a boutique art and architecture tour and symposia company. She presently serves on the boards of Kennedy Commission and the California Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies.

Felicia Rosenfeld has been involved in not-for-profit performing arts world for most of her working life. Through FARconnector, she serves as thought partner, organizational catalyst, infrastructure architect and creative strategist, working with artists and arts organizations to define and attain success. Felicia sits on Dance Resource Center’s and Koreatown Youth & Community Center’s Boards; and on The Ford Theatre Connector Council. It’s in Felicia’s DNA to integrate arts into all aspects of community and to build collaborations between the arts and other sectors.

Cliff Warner has garnered a reputation for being one of the top producers of award-winning experiences including Universal Studios’ WaterWorld Stunt Show, FiestaAventura’s Templo Del Fuego, Bollywood Park and Motiongate including the THEA Award-winning DreamWorks Animation Zone. In 2011, Cliff founded the entertainment development company Mycotoo, Inc., which was designated a top media company by Inc. 500 in 2017. As chairman, Cliff has continued to build on his reputation of delivering compelling experiences. Mycotoo’s design collaborations have resulted in the opening of two theme parks (Motiongate and Bollywood Parks) for which Cliff oversaw the production development, strategic planning and team staffing.

AU REVOIR INTERNS
At the end of the month, we bid our amazing interns farewell. Roshni Patel, our Development Intern and Cynthia Cuellar our Public Policy Intern have been invaluable in their support of Arts for LA this summer. Their work has helped us tremendously in building our membership program, our 2020 Public Policy Agenda, our partnership opportunities with local organizations, and so much more.

They are both heading back to universities and then on to successful and fulfilling careers. We wish them all the best and recognize both of their wonderful energies. Arts for LA thanks them profusely for their time and work this summer. Good luck ladies!