LACMA’S 10TH Annual Art+Film Gala Raises $5 Million

LACMA’S 10TH Annual Art+Film Gala Raises $5 Million

Los Angeles, CA. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) hosted its 10th annual Art+Film Gala on November 6th, honoring artists Amy Sherald and Kehinde Wiley and filmmaker Steven Spielberg. The event, attended by more than 650 prominent guests from the art, film, and fashion industries, was co-chaired by LACMA trustees Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio. Honorees Kevin Pemberton, Amy Sherald, Kate Capshaw, and honoree Steven Spielberg, were all wearing clothing by the event’s sponsor, Gucci. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for LACMA) This year’s event raised $5 million to support LACMA’s film initiatives, as well as future exhibitions, acquisitions, and programming. Returning once again as presenting sponsor of the Art+Film Gala, Gucci expanded its longstanding and generous partnership with the museum by supporting LACMA’s presentation of The Obama Portraits Tour and the companion exhibition Black American Portraits. Audi provided additional support for the gala for the third year.

Art+Film Gala Co-Chair Leonardo DiCaprio and honoree Steven Spielberg, both wearing Gucci, and Bob Iger  (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)

Diane Keaton and Serena Williams, both wearing Gucci, attend the 10th Annual LACMA ART+FILM GALA (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)

Billie Eilish and Miley Cyrus, both wearing Gucci. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for LACMA)

Paris Hilton attends the 10th Annual LACMA ART+FILM GALA. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)

Chris Martin and Judd Apatow  (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)

Blackwell and Lil Nas X, both wearing Gucci, (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)

Morgan Spector, Rebecca Hall, Sophie Hunter, and Benedict Cumberbatch, wearing Gucci, (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)

Julia Carey and James Corden, both wearing Gucci, The Bullitts, Nicole Avant, and Ted Sarandos (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for LACMA)

Will Ferrell and Viveca Paulin (Photo by Donato Sardella/Getty Images for LACMA)

“It meant so much to honor Amy Sherald and Kehinde Wiley, both artists of extraordinary vision, as we welcomed their iconic portraits of Barack Obama and Michelle Obama to LACMA, alongside Steven Spielberg—one of the greatest artists of American cinema,” said Michael Govan, LACMA CEO, and Wallis Annenberg Director. “As co-chairs of the Art+Film Gala for 10 years, Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio have made this such an important event for all the creative industries in Los Angeles, and I’m so appreciative of their dedication to the gala and the museum.”

The Obama portraits by Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, at LACMA through January 2, 2022.

Art+Film Gala co-chair Eva Chow said, “I am delighted that the return of the Art+Film Gala was such a tremendous success. It was such a pleasure to recognize the creative achievements of all three of our honorees and to celebrate a decade of art and film at LACMA with our longstanding partner Gucci. I’m so grateful to Alessandro Michele, Marco Bizzari, and everyone at Gucci for their friendship and steadfast support, as well as to Celeste for giving us a spectacular performance that no one will soon forget.”

Renowned artists, distinguished guests, and luminaries from the art, film, fashion, music, and entertainment industries arrived at the Art+Film Gala’s red carpet adjacent to Chris Burden’s iconic Urban Light (2008) on Wilshire Boulevard. Guests then enjoyed a cocktail reception and a DJ set by the legendary D-Nice outdoors. Guests also visited the Resnick Pavilion to see two new exhibitions, The Obama Portraits Tour featuring paintings by honorees Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald, as well as Black American Portraits. Following cocktails, guests moved into the Art+Film pavilion overlooking Michael Heizer’s Levitated Mass (2012) for a special dinner—a collaboration between chef Joachim Splichal of Patina Restaurant Group and chef Mattia Agazzi of Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura in Beverly Hills. Recently awarded a Michelin Star, Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura Beverly Hills represents a culinary universe by interlacing the colors and flavors of Italy with its new Californian surroundings.

After Michael Govan and Eva Chow welcomed the crowd, Tracee Ellis Ross gave a tribute to honoree Amy Sherald. Ava DuVernay then gave a tribute to honoree Kehinde Wiley, which was followed by a short film about the artists by Christine Turner. Guillermo del Toro then presented a tribute to Steven Spielberg, and guests enjoyed a montage of the director’s films.

Following the dinner program, guests were invited back outside where Sienna Miller introduced the evening’s performer, Celeste, who delivered a captivating performance of soulful hits from her debut album “Not Your Muse.” Shabaka Hutchings and the Free Nationals shared the stage for her set, and Florence Welch joined Celeste for a special duet of the Marvin Gaye classic “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

About LACMA:
Located on the Pacific Rim, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of more than 147,000 objects that illuminate 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe. Committed to showcasing a multitude of art histories, LACMA exhibits and interprets works of art from new and unexpected points of view that are informed by the region’s rich cultural heritage and diverse population. LACMA’s spirit of experimentation is reflected in its work with artists, technologists, and thought leaders as well as in its regional, national, and global partnerships to share collections and programs, create pioneering initiatives, and engage new audiences.

‘L.A. GOAL’ Hosts Annual Art Show Celebrating Unique Artists

‘L.A. GOAL’ Hosts Annual Art Show Celebrating Unique Artists

Los Angeles, CA  L.A. GOAL presented its Annual Art Show on October 23rd. It’s a non-profit committed to creating opportunities and equity for adults with developmental disabilities so they can live more fulfilling lives. The theme of this year’s art show was “In a Different Way.” It celebrated the unique differences of each artist and the work they did during the last 18 months, over the pandemic.

Michael B, one of the artists who presented his work said, “My favorite part about being in the studio is working with ceramics and paintings because it is fun.”

L.A. GOAL provides its members with a variety of programs to help them in every aspect of their lives: work, health, relationships, creative expression and fun. The nonprofit based in Culver city offers vocational training as well as paid employment at the nonprofit.

Inside Our Productions is a professional art studio launched by L.A GOAL in 1991 in order to employ Members and Artists and sell their artwork. The organization’s vision is that when people’s core needs are met and their talent recognized, they can grow, express themselves, and engage in meaningful work.

This nonprofit benefits greatly from support by the local community in order to continue its mission of providing opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities to live more fulfilling lives.

If you want to learn more about L.A. GOAL and contribute to their work, click on the link here.

If you wish to volunteer, click on the link here.

About L.A. GOAL

L.A. GOAL is a non-profit organization that partners with adults with developmental disabilities and their support networks to assist them in living more fulfilling lives. Our goal is to create more opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to thrive across all aspects of life, have meaningful relationships, and feel a sense of belonging within society. We continuously strive to understand our Members’ needs, how they evolve over time, and how they are affected by shifting societal dynamics and inequities. We help the public see beyond ability or disability to honor the core being of our Members and ourselves.

The Broad Hosts Virtual Art Classes For Families

The Broad Hosts Virtual Art Classes For Families

Los Angeles, CA. The Broad, a contemporary art museum in Downtown Los Angeles, is known for being one of the world’s largest modern art collections. The museum has hosted many family oriented events; most recently, it partnered with the Los Angeles Public Library to host summer art school classes. The online format not only allowed for promoting social distancing, but made the classes more accessible for children and their families.

From The Broad: 

In July, families with kids are invited for four live one-hour virtual drawing sessions. Facilitated by The Broad’s Visitor Experience Lead David Candelaria, participants will create a drawing inspired by works on view in the museum, while learning words used in contemporary art.  

During the drawing session, librarians from the Children’s Literature Department from the Los Angeles Public Library will share and discuss books related to the activity’s theme.

Each workshop includes a live in-gallery segment showcasing the artwork that inspired the activity. Families will have time to share their creations at the end of the session.

All sessions are free to attend and held over Zoom. Sessions will be translated live into Spanish.

The four pieces of artwork used as inspiration: Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Untitled (1981), Roy Lichtenstein’s Still Life with Green Vase (1972), Julie Mehretu’s Six Bardos: Transmigration (2018), and Nathaniel Mary Quinn’s C’mo’ and Walk With Me (2019).

The classes were hosted every week throughout the month of July, each one having a different theme based off of a piece at the Broad. The themes were Portraiture, Still Life, Color and Abstraction, and Collage respectively. At the end of the session, participants get the opportunity to share their creations with each other.

For more information on future events, or to learn more about museum visitation, make sure to visit The Broad.

LACMA Works With Snapchat to Create Augmented Reality Monuments Across Los Angeles

LACMA Works With Snapchat to Create Augmented Reality Monuments Across Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is up and running after a year of being shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. The museum also has a new partnership with the popular social media platform Snapchat called Monumental Perspectives. Via Snapchat, people can experience augmented reality monuments at site-specific locations including LACMA’s Wilshire Boulevard campus, MacArthur Park, Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

Below is a look at how it works:

 

This new initiative uses augmented reality to explore monuments and murals, representation, and history. Monumental Perspectives brings together artists and technologists to create virtual monuments that explore just some of the histories of Los Angeles communities in an effort to highlight perspectives from across the region. In consultation with community leaders and historians, the first cohort of artists, Mercedes Dorame, I.R. Bach, Glenn Kaino, Ruben Ochoa, and Ada Pinkston, examine key moments, figures, and monumentality in the region’s past and present through augmented reality experiences.

“Monumental Perspectives” is an ongoing virtual experience throughout Los Angeles.

These virtual monuments can also be accessed around the world; visitors do not necessarily need to be in Los Angeles. By downloading Snapchat, visitors can scan Snapchat codes on LACMA’s website, which automatically uploads the digital artwork to the individual’s account.

To learn more about LACMA’s Monumental Perspectives exhibition, find information here.

From LACMA:

Advance Tickets Required for All Visitors, Including Members

All visitors, including LACMA members, must purchase or reserve an advance timed-entry ticket online or by calling the LACMA Ticket Office at 323 857-6010, 10 am–5 pm daily.

Onsite ticket purchase is not available. 

Tickets are released monthly on the last Wednesday of the month for LACMA members and the last Thursday of the month for the public. Sign up to receive alerts.

Mandatory Health Screening

All visitors must pass a health screening and temperature check prior to entry.

Face Masks Required Indoors

Visitors are required to wear face masks in all indoor spaces including galleries, restrooms, and the LACMA Store.

Face Masks Not Required Outdoors

Visitors are not required to wear face masks outdoors. Unvaccinated visitors are encouraged to wear face masks outdoors.

Located on the Pacific Rim, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States, with a collection of nearly 142,000 objects that illuminate 6,000 years of artistic expression across the globe. Committed to showcasing a multitude of art histories, LACMA exhibits and interprets works of art from new and unexpected points of view that are informed by the region’s rich cultural heritage and diverse population. LACMA’s spirit of experimentation is reflected in its work with artists, technologists, and thought leaders as well as in its regional, national, and global partnerships to share collections and programs, create pioneering initiatives, and engage new audiences

Hundreds of Artists Share a $2.7 Million Grant to Help Stay Afloat

Hundreds of Artists Share a $2.7 Million Grant to Help Stay Afloat

Los Angeles, CA. Four hundred artists and 80 arts organizations received $2.7 million in total grants as part of a broad-based COVID-19 relief effort for the visual arts in the Los Angeles region, the J. Paul Getty Trust and the California Community Foundation announced today. (Beneficiaries include the Craft Contemporary Museum seen above.) The emergency support was designed to reach individual artists throughout all areas of LA County and arts organizations that serve the region’s culturally diverse communities.

“The arts are a source of expression, resistance, and healing,” says Joan Weinstein, director of the Getty Foundation, an operating program of the Getty Trust, which initiated the $10 million LA Arts COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund to help small and midsize visual arts organizations. “But our creative artists and arts organizations, who do so much to advocate for social change, will not survive this pandemic and its economic fallout if we don’t take action now to support them.”

The economic impact of COVID-19 has been especially hard on small and midsize arts institutions. The pandemic also laid bare inequities in funding, particularly for organizations that serve communities of color. Smaller arts organizations tend to operate without any endowment funds or cash reserves. Yet they act as essential community anchors, supporting creative expression for artists of color, providing access to the arts for underserved groups, and offering arts education in schools and at their own sites. Even while their doors have been closed, many have worked hard to maintain their community bonds, hosting COVID-19 testing sites or food distribution centers on their premises.

After months of lost revenue, these organizations are struggling to maintain staff, provide safe galleries and workspaces that meet new health and safety standards, and still ensure meaningful arts participation for their communities when they reopen.

The Getty is the world’s largest cultural and philanthropic organization dedicated to the visual arts. The Getty includes the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Research Institute (GRI), the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), and the Getty Foundation. The Getty welcomes visitors from around the world to its two Los Angeles locations: the Getty Center in Brentwood and the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades.

The more than $2 million in emergency relief grants awarded to 80 visual arts nonprofits and museums provides support to meet urgent financial needs over the next three months, including staff salaries, rent, and emergency supplies to comply with public health measures. This basic operating support will also allow organizations some leeway to plan for reopening, restructuring, and collaboration. Innovation will be critical if these institutions want to continue their work.

“We’re going to have to become semi-experts in how to manage spaces and arts experiences through a public health lens,” says Betty Avila, executive director of the arts nonprofit Self Help Graphics & Art, which received an emergency grant.

Self Help has worked at the intersection of arts and social justice since 1973, serving its community in East Los Angeles by promoting local Chicana/o and Latinx artists. But Avila recognizes they won’t endure if they don’t adapt, and the COVID relief grant will start them on that path. “We cannot return to our work with a ‘back to business as usual’ perspective.” In the meantime, the emergency grant will help them cover operational expenses, including support for Self Help Graphics’ teaching artists.

The threats facing arts institutions extend to visual artists. Thousands saw their income evaporate as the museums and non-profit spaces that exhibit their work shuttered. Many also depend on part-time work as teaching artists or preparators who set up and take down exhibitions. Countless artists also survive on work in the gig economy. With high unemployment across the region, they are straining to find alternative sources of income.

The California Community Foundation and Getty responded by creating the Relief Fund for L.A. County Visual Artists. The Fund has provided emergency grants of up to $2000 each to 400 local artists who work in all visual arts disciplines. Artists who applied for grants were asked to demonstrate their artistic practice through an online presentation of their work and to describe their financial needs. Additional contributions came from a trio of local artist-endowed foundations: the Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts, the Sam Francis Foundation, and the Shepard and Amanda Fairey Foundation. The artist relief fund is administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation.

“This crisis is a wake-up call to all Angelenos to support the organizations that provide access to the arts and the artists that inspire us to be resilient,” says Antonia Hernández, president and CEO of the California Community Foundation, which is administering the LA Arts COVID-19 Fund. “The emergency grants will reach a wide array of arts nonprofits and dedicated artists, but more help is needed. The demand for funds was far greater than the supply. We welcome others to join us in this effort to ensure the arts continue contributing to the cultural vitality and wellness of our region for the benefit of all residents.”

For over 30 years, Getty and CCF have been longtime collaborators in the arts, supporting one of the most prestigious fellowships for visual artists in the country, the biennial Fellowships for Visual Artists. The Fellowship, led by CCF, was created by an earlier endowment from the Getty and has grown with subsequent donations from CCF and individual donors. The LA Arts COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund was a natural extension of that partnership. The next phase of their work together will focus on recovery grants to help key museums and visuals arts organizations reimagine their operations in order to survive and thrive in the coming years. More information on recovery funds will be available before this fall.

This link has a list of the LA Arts Covid-19 Relief Fund Grantees 

From the associated organizations:

Getty is a leading global arts organization committed to the exhibition, conservation, and understanding of the world’s artistic and cultural heritage.  Working collaboratively with partners around the globe, the Getty Foundation, Getty Conservation Institute, Getty Museum and Getty Research Institute are all dedicated to the greater understanding of the relationships between the world’s many cultures.  The Los Angeles-based J. Paul Getty Trust and Getty programs share art, knowledge, and resources online at Getty.edu and welcome the public for free at the Getty Center and the Getty Villa.

The Getty Foundation fulfills the philanthropic mission of the Getty Trust by supporting individuals and institutions committed to advancing the greater understanding and preservation of the visual arts in Los Angeles and throughout the world. Through strategic grant initiatives, the Foundation strengthens art history as a global discipline, promotes the interdisciplinary practice of conservation, increases access to museum and archival collections, and develops current and future leaders in the visual arts. It carries out its work in collaboration with the other Getty Programs to ensure that they individually and collectively achieve maximum effect. Additional information is available at www.getty.edu/foundation.

About The California Community Foundation

The California Community Foundation has served as a public, charitable organization for Los Angeles County since 1915, its mission is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. CCF manages 1,700 charitable foundations, funds and legacies. For more information, please visit calfund.org.