Advocating for the Arts | Gustavo Herrera, Executive Director, Arts for LA

In California, the Arts contribute an exceptional amount to not only the cultural and creative capital of the state, but to its overall economic activity and well-being. With $650.3 billion in annual output in California, the fifth largest economy in the world, and $203.2 billion in annual output in Los Angeles, the largest county (by population) in the United States, creativity is a massive engine for economic activity and growth.

Heavily impacted by the global pandemic and the economic crisis that has ensued, a May report issued by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), noted the “Arts and Entertainment” industry was among the highest risk industries for job loss related to COVID-19. In that report, the LAEDC projected that initial job loss related to Stay At Home orders for “Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media” in the Los Angeles region could reach as high as 52.5% (year-over-year change). 

Navigating these challenges and advocating for the interests and needs of the region’s creative community is Arts for LA.  Join us for our conversation with Gustavo Herrera, Executive Director of Arts for LA as we discuss their critical role as a leading voice for the arts in the Greater Los Angeles region. Learn about their efforts to inform, engage, and mobilize individuals and organizations to advocate for access to the arts across all communities; arts education for every student; robust investment in the arts; and inclusion of diverse and underrepresented voices. Arts for LA invests in leadership development; growing networks of civically engaged advocates; building deep relationships with elected officials; and working in partnership across sectors to make LA a vibrant, prosperous, creative, and healthy society.

Gustavo will share his insights on the current state of the creative economy, initiatives underway to support the creative community, and share the work underway to develop a recovery strategy through a series of Community Strategy Sessions that will culminate in their upcoming ‘State of the Arts Summit’, taking place October 16^th. To learn more and get involved, please visit www.artsforla.org. And for information about the State of the Arts Summit, please visit www.artsforla.org/sota2020.