LAVA is working to restructure the ecosystem of artists, art workers, art institutions, and philanthropy in Los Angeles. Its organic, cross-pollinating ecosystem is dedicated to a culture of mutual support and ensuring one another’s welfare through fundraising, information and resource sharing, and collective advocacy for our sector within the field of contemporary art. The coalition works together to self-identify operational challenges shared among fellow nonprofits and uses integrative bargaining strategies and new model solutions that benefit their entire sector. During monthly meetings, members work on accountability measures that help each organization develop LAVA's shared commitments to a more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible art scene for all of Los Angeles County.
Composite image featuring a selection of work and activities from Los Angeles Visual Arts Coalition member organizations. Courtesy LAVA
Serving thirty-four diverse neighborhoods in Los Angeles with new, experimental, and community-based art, in 2022, LAVA collectively presented over 100 exhibitions and 1,240 public programs, welcoming over 350,000 visitors. LAVA currently includes Active Cultures, Armory Center for the Arts, Avenue 50 Studio, Center for the Study of Political Graphics, Center for Land Use Interpretation (CLUI), Clockshop, Coaxial Arts Foundation, Craft Contemporary, Crenshaw Dairy Mart, Equitable Vitrines, Feminist Center for Creative Work, Fulcrum Arts, GYOPO, Human Resources, Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles (ICA LA), JOAN, LA ARTCORE, LA Commons, LA Freewaves, LAXART, Los Angeles Contemporary Archive (LACA), Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE), Los Angeles Nomadic Division (LAND), Los Angeles Poverty Department (LAPD), MAK Center for Art and Architecture, Museum of Jurassic Technology, NAVEL, Self Help Graphics and Art, Side Street Projects, Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC), South Los Angeles (SoLA) Contemporary, The Mistake Room, and Vincent Price Museum.
Members of the Los Angeles Visual Arts Coalition. Courtesy LAVA. Photo: Ruthie Brownfield
Teiger Foundation was proud to support LAVA’s coalition-building efforts in 2022 and extend its support in 2023.