The Arts Council of Greater Los Angeles has relaunched as an independent nonprofit organization, marking a significant shift in the region's cultural landscape. After 15 years operating under the Century City Chamber of Commerce, the Council now stands alone with a renewed mission to foster an inclusive arts community and position Los Angeles as a global cultural capital. This move signals a new era of artistic collaboration and cultural impact, one that could reshape how arts programming is delivered and accessed across the city.
The implications of this independence are substantial. As a standalone entity, the Arts Council plans to expand its programming with a robust calendar of events designed to engage diverse audiences throughout Los Angeles. This includes deepening its role as a collaboration hub, connecting artists with patrons, and advancing arts access for all. By doing so, the Council aims to address long-standing disparities in arts funding and participation, ensuring that creativity is celebrated and cultural heritage preserved across all communities.
“Our vision is to position Los Angeles not only as an entertainment capital, but as a true global arts capital,” said Agnes Penot, The Arts Council Chair. “We aim to celebrate creativity, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure the arts are accessible to everyone through innovative programs and partnerships.” This vision underscores a strategic pivot toward inclusivity and innovation, which could attract new investments and partnerships in the arts sector.
To kick off this new chapter, the Arts Council will host an inaugural event titled “LA in Motion Now & Next: Reimagining Art, Access and Policy.” The panel discussion will take place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 6 to 9 PM at the Wende Museum, Community Room, 10808 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90230. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Those interested can RSVP on Eventbrite. A social reception will precede and follow the panel discussion.
The panel will feature influential voices in the arts and policy spheres: Maya Emsden, Executive Officer, Arts + Community Enrichment, LA Metro; Sarah Cifarelli, LAX Art Program Director; David Pagel, Claremont Graduate University Art Department; and Catherine Wagley, Moderator, Writer and Art Critic. Their discussion is expected to explore how art, access, and policy intersect, offering insights that could influence future cultural initiatives in Los Angeles.
Sponsors for the event include Patron Sponsor Kline Academy of Fine Art and Associate Sponsors such as Art World Appraisals, Athletic Brewing Co., Century City News, KLEOS, QuickTales, Apryl Stewart, Skyview Concessions, Aucileia C. Rosa, Bravo Asset Securities, Candace Kentopian, Michael Heumann, Art Advisory & Law, Lipton Coins, Fine Art & Antiques, and Sada’s Flowers. For more information, visit https://www.artscouncil-la.org/.
This relaunch comes at a critical time when the arts sector faces challenges from funding cuts and the lingering effects of the pandemic. By establishing itself as an independent nonprofit, the Arts Council of Greater Los Angeles is poised to advocate more effectively for arts funding, foster cross-sector partnerships, and ensure that Los Angeles remains a vibrant hub for creativity. The success of this endeavor could serve as a model for other cities looking to elevate their cultural profiles and integrate arts into broader civic life.
