Los Angeles arts institutions band together to create a $12 million emergency fund for artists and arts workers affected by devastating wildfires.
At a Glance
- Major LA arts institutions establish $12 million emergency fund for wildfire-affected artists
- Fund aims to provide immediate aid for housing, food, and clothing
- Initiative involves collaboration between local institutions and global foundations
- Center for Cultural Innovation to administer grants starting Monday
Arts Community Unites in Face of Disaster
In a remarkable display of solidarity, Los Angeles’ major arts institutions have joined forces to create a $12 million emergency fund for artists and arts workers affected by the recent wildfires. The initiative, spearheaded by the J. Paul Getty Trust, brings together prominent organizations such as LACMA, MOCA, and the Hammer Museum to provide crucial support for those who have lost homes, studios, or livelihoods due to the devastating fires.
The fund represents a significant collaboration within the LA arts community, drawing contributions from various institutions and global connections. It aims to address the immediate needs of affected individuals while also considering long-term rebuilding efforts.
Global Support for LA’s Cultural Heritage
The emergency fund has garnered support from a diverse array of contributors, including East West Bank, the Mellon and Helen Frankenthaler foundations, the Andy Warhol Foundation, Qatar Museums, and the Ford Foundation. Individual philanthropists, such as the family foundation of Mellody Hobson and George Lucas, have also stepped forward to contribute to the cause.
“People around the world are watching in horror as vast areas of Los Angeles burn, but this regional tragedy has global cultural repercussions,” Katherine E. Fleming, President and CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust said.
The initiative underscores the global significance of Los Angeles’ cultural landscape and the importance of preserving its artistic community in the face of adversity.
Immediate Aid and Long-Term Vision
The Center for Cultural Innovation will administer the fund, providing emergency grants to impacted individuals. Starting Monday, fire-affected artists and arts workers can apply for these grants at www.cciarts.org. The immediate focus is on providing financial assistance for housing deposits, clothing, and food for fire victims.
“This is rolling, we’re still gathering funds. This isn’t one and done, and it’s really important that it not be one and done,” Fleming said.
While addressing urgent needs, the fund also considers long-term rebuilding efforts. Plans are in place to distribute funds in phases over months or years, ensuring sustained support for the arts community as it recovers and rebuilds.
The creation of this emergency fund serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and unity of Los Angeles’ artistic community. It highlights the city’s global cultural significance and the widespread support it commands in times of crisis.