The Arts Council of Greater Los Angeles has relaunched as an independent nonprofit organization after 15 years under the Century City Chamber of Commerce. This move marks a significant shift in the region's cultural landscape, aiming to foster a more inclusive arts community and solidify Los Angeles's status as a global cultural capital. The relaunch will be celebrated with an inaugural event, "LA in Motion Now & Next: Reimagining Art, Access and Policy," a panel discussion on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 6 to 9 PM at the Wende Museum in Culver City. The event is free and open to the public, though seating is limited and RSVP is required via Eventbrite.
The panel will feature prominent figures in the arts and policy sectors: Maya Emsden, Executive Officer of Arts + Community Enrichment at LA Metro; Sarah Cifarelli, LAX Art Program Director; David Pagel of Claremont Graduate University's Art Department; and moderator Catherine Wagley, a writer and art critic. Their discussion will explore the intersections of art, accessibility, and policy, reflecting the Council's renewed mission to connect artists with patrons and advance arts access for all.
Agnes Penot, The Arts Council Chair, emphasized the organization's broader vision: "Our vision is to position Los Angeles not only as an entertainment capital, but as a true global arts capital. We aim to celebrate creativity, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure the arts are accessible to everyone through innovative programs and partnerships." This vision underscores the Council's commitment to expanding its programming with a robust calendar of events designed to engage diverse audiences across Los Angeles.
The relaunch comes at a critical time when the arts sector faces ongoing challenges from the pandemic and shifting funding landscapes. By becoming an independent nonprofit, the Council gains greater flexibility to advocate for arts funding, develop new partnerships, and create programs that address inequities in arts access. The inaugural event itself, focusing on policy and access, signals a proactive approach to these issues, bringing together leaders from transportation, airport arts, academia, and criticism to discuss how art can be integrated into public life and urban development.
The event is sponsored by Kline Academy of Fine Art as Patron Sponsor, with associate sponsors including Art World Appraisals, Athletic Brewing Co., Century City News, KLEOS, QuickTales, Apryl Stewart of Skyview Concessions, Aucileia C. Rosa, Bravo Asset Securities, Candace Kentopian, Michael Heumann of Art Advisory & Law, Lipton Coins Fine Art & Antiques, and Sada's Flowers. A social reception will precede and follow the panel discussion, providing networking opportunities for attendees.
For more information about the Arts Council of Greater Los Angeles and its upcoming programs, visit https://www.artscouncil-la.org/. The Council also maintains a presence on LinkedIn and Instagram under the handle artscouncil_la, where it shares updates and engages with the community.
This relaunch represents a pivotal moment for the arts in Los Angeles, as the Council seeks to leverage the city's creative energy to build a more equitable and vibrant cultural ecosystem. By positioning itself as a collaboration hub, the Council aims to ensure that the arts remain a central part of the city's identity and future.
