In the heart of Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), a vibrant cultural cornerstone has been quietly shaping lives and fostering creativity for over two decades. Art Share LA, a dynamic 501(c)3 non-profit organization, stands as a testament to the enduring power of art and community. Since its inception in 1998, Art Share LA has been dedicated to creating equitable access and unparalleled opportunities for emerging artists, transforming a vacant warehouse into a thriving hub where artists can live, work, perform, and exhibit their talents.
More than just a space, Art Share LA embodies a profound belief: that artists, as individuals, are a vital and indispensable part of a culturally rich and vibrant community. This conviction drives their mission to provide accessible performance venues, exhibition spaces, affordable living solutions, and on-site art studios, ensuring that creativity can flourish unhindered by the fear of displacement or lack of resources. Through its comprehensive programs and unwavering advocacy, Art Share LA continues to be a pivotal force in the Los Angeles artist community, empowering countless individuals to pursue their artistic passions and contribute to the city's diverse cultural tapestry.
Table of Contents
- What is Art Share LA? A Community Arts Incubator
- The DTLA Warehouse: A Creative Ecosystem
- Valuing Artists: The Core Philosophy
- Milestones and Impact: A Revolutionary Journey
- Programs and Opportunities: Nurturing Talent
- Leadership and Vision: The People Behind Art Share LA
- The Arts District Connection: A Thriving Community Hub
- Looking Ahead: The Future of Art Share LA
What is Art Share LA? A Community Arts Incubator
Art Share Los Angeles is far more than just a building; it is a vibrant community arts incubator whose overarching mission is to shape lives through art, education, and community action. Established in 1998, this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has consistently championed the cause of emerging artists, recognizing their unique challenges and providing tangible solutions. Its foundational purpose revolves around creating equitable access and opportunity, ensuring that talented individuals, regardless of their background, have the resources and environment needed to thrive.
From its very beginning, Art Share LA has been committed to fostering a creative environment where artists can truly develop their craft. This includes providing spaces for them to live, work, perform, and exhibit their creations. This holistic approach addresses the multifaceted needs of artists, acknowledging that stability and support are crucial for artistic growth. The organization’s enduring presence and impact in the DTLA Arts District speak volumes about its dedication to its mission and its vital role in the cultural landscape of Los Angeles.
The DTLA Warehouse: A Creative Ecosystem
The physical heart of Art Share LA is its historic DTLA warehouse, located at 801 E 4th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90013. This once-vacant industrial space, evocative of downtown Los Angeles in 1900 with its industrial heritage, has been meticulously transformed into a dynamic, multi-functional creative ecosystem. This transformation began in earnest, with a significant period of revolution for Art Share LA in the summer of 2012, setting the stage for its current vibrant form. The building itself is a canvas, with its exterior on the corner of E. Hewitt Street in the Arts District covered in a dynamic angular mural by Danish artist Mikael B, symbolizing the creative energy within.
The warehouse is designed to be a comprehensive hub for artists, offering a unique blend of living, working, and exhibition spaces. It is a place where artists can not only showcase their work but also develop their skills and connect with a supportive community. This integrated approach is fundamental to Art Share LA's philosophy of providing a truly equitable and nurturing environment for emerging talent.
Affordable Housing for Artists
One of the most critical provisions offered by Art Share LA is its commitment to affordable housing. Providing 30 affordable lofts directly addresses a major concern for working artists in a rapidly gentrifying city like Los Angeles: the fear of displacement. By alleviating this financial burden, Art Share LA empowers artists to focus on their art practice without the constant worry of rising living costs. This housing initiative is a cornerstone of their mission to support artists as vital individuals within the community, recognizing that a stable home is essential for creative flourishing.
This initiative not only provides physical shelter but also fosters a unique community within the building, where artists live amongst their peers, fostering collaboration, inspiration, and mutual support. It's a tangible demonstration of Art Share LA's belief that valuing and supporting artists extends to their fundamental need for secure and affordable living arrangements.
Valuing Artists: The Core Philosophy
At the very core of Art Share LA's existence is a deeply held belief: "We believe artists, as individuals, must be valued and supported as a vital part of a culturally rich, vibrant community." This isn't just a slogan; it's the guiding principle behind every program, every initiative, and every decision made by the organization. They understand that artists are not merely entertainers but essential contributors to societal well-being, challenging perspectives, sparking dialogue, and enriching daily life.
This philosophy translates into tangible support mechanisms. Art Share LA has been an unwavering advocate for the Los Angeles artist community for over 20 years. Their commitment goes beyond providing space; it extends to actively assisting artists with funding for projects, offering crucial exhibition opportunities, and facilitating public art commissions. These efforts ensure that artists can sustain their art practice while living affordably, reinforcing the idea that a thriving arts community is built on the foundation of supported, valued artists.
Milestones and Impact: A Revolutionary Journey
Art Share LA's journey has been marked by significant milestones and a profound impact on the Los Angeles arts scene. The "summer of 2012 was a revolutionary period for Art Share L.A.," ushering in a new era of expanded programming and community engagement. Since early 2013, Art Share LA has solidified its commitment to being a thriving community arts space in the Arts District, cementing its reputation as a vital cultural institution.
The organization's reach and effectiveness are impressive. Over its two decades of advocacy, Art Share LA has been able to assist over 10,000 artists. This assistance comes in various forms, including providing essential funding for projects, opening doors to exhibition opportunities, and securing public art commissions. These efforts are crucial in enabling artists to continue their art practice, demonstrating a long-standing dedication to nurturing and sustaining artistic careers within the city. The continuous 24/7 submissions for opportunities highlight the ongoing demand and the organization's consistent engagement with the artistic community.
Programs and Opportunities: Nurturing Talent
Art Share LA offers a diverse array of programs designed to support artists at various stages of their careers and engage the wider community. These initiatives embody their mission to provide accessible performance, exhibition, living, and on-site art studio space, ensuring a comprehensive ecosystem for creative development.
Performance and Exhibition Spaces
The theater located at 801 E 4th Place is a cornerstone of Art Share LA's performance offerings. It serves as a dynamic venue for a wide range of artistic expressions. "Art Share L.A. Presents" is a series of programmed, multidisciplinary shows curated by Art Share LA itself, showcasing emerging talents in Los Angeles. These events, often with doors and bars opening at 6 pm, provide a vibrant platform for artists and an engaging experience for the public. Past performers have included notable artists like Serge Del Mar, Ruby Vartan, and Mx, highlighting the diverse array of talent fostered here.
Beyond live performances, Art Share LA is a significant exhibition space. "Abstracted," on view from October 7th through December 3rd, 2022, explored Los Angeles through the lens of abstractionists whose artwork conveyed the complexity of the urban environment. This exhibition featured artists such as Chenhung Chen, Jennifer Gunlock, Emily Elisa Halpern, Teale Hatheway, Jessus Hernandez, Kiara Aileen Machado, Caley O'Dwyer, Stephanie Sherwood, and Essi. Another unique exhibition, "Typecast LA," was an ode to the history and contemporary practice of typography and signage in Los Angeles as a mode of artistic expression, demonstrating Art Share LA's commitment to exploring diverse art forms.
The Ellsworth Artist Residency Program
A jewel in Art Share LA's crown is the Ellsworth Artist Residency Program. This program is specifically dedicated to creating an accessible studio space for artists, offering a dynamic opportunity for emerging artists to work and develop their visual art practice. The residency is more than just a studio; it includes invaluable professional development opportunities.
Residents benefit from studio visits with esteemed curators, critics, scholars, and artists, providing crucial feedback, networking opportunities, and exposure to the broader art world. This holistic approach ensures that artists not only have space to create but also the guidance and connections needed to advance their careers. It's a testament to Art Share LA's commitment to nurturing talent from the ground up.
Youth Engagement and Education
Art Share LA recognizes the importance of cultivating creativity from a young age. Through its classes and programming, the organization actively engages youth, providing them with opportunities to explore art and develop their creative potential. These programs are vital for fostering the next generation of artists and ensuring that art remains an accessible and enriching part of community life for all ages. Youth engaging with Art Share’s classes and programming highlights the organization's dedication to community action and education, shaping lives through early exposure to the arts.
Leadership and Vision: The People Behind Art Share LA
The enduring success and profound impact of Art Share LA are deeply rooted in the vision and dedication of its leadership. Chip Hunter, the founder of Art Share LA, played a pivotal role in establishing the organization and laying the groundwork for its mission to support emerging artists. His initial foresight in transforming a vacant warehouse into a creative haven set the stage for decades of artistic flourishing.
Today, the day-to-day operations and artistic programming are expertly managed by individuals like Morgan Barajas. A working visual artist, musician, and filmmaker himself, Morgan Barajas serves as the acting Performing Arts & Facilities Manager at Art Share LA. His firsthand understanding of the challenges and needs of artists makes him an invaluable asset. Morgan acts as a crucial liaison between Art Share LA and event organizers across Los Angeles, working tirelessly to bring artists of all mediums to the Art Share stage. His efforts are instrumental in celebrating the diverse talents present in the city, ensuring that Art Share LA remains a dynamic and inclusive platform for creative expression.
The Arts District Connection: A Thriving Community Hub
Art Share LA is inextricably linked to the identity and evolution of the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles. The organization's roots trace back to the transformation of a "vacant warehouse in the Arts District" into a vibrant cultural center. This historical context underscores Art Share LA's role as a pioneer in the district's revitalization, contributing significantly to its reputation as a hub for creativity and innovation.
Since early 2013, Art Share LA has been committed to being a thriving community arts space within this dynamic neighborhood. Its presence has undoubtedly contributed to the district's unique character, attracting artists, galleries, and cultural events. The "Arts District Fair | Photo" suggests the vibrant activity that Art Share LA is a part of, further cementing its role as a key player in fostering a culturally rich and vibrant community within DTLA.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Art Share LA
As Art Share LA continues its vital work, its future remains focused on its core mission: to provide equitable access and opportunity for emerging artists. With a proven track record of assisting over 10,000 artists and advocating for the Los Angeles artist community for over 20 years, the organization is well-positioned to adapt to the evolving needs of artists and the city.
The commitment to affordable housing, accessible performance and exhibition spaces, and robust professional development programs like the Ellsworth Artist Residency ensures that Art Share LA will remain a crucial resource. By continuing to foster a supportive environment where artists can live, work, develop, perform, and exhibit, Art Share LA will undoubtedly continue to shape lives through art, education, and community action for many years to come. Their ongoing dedication to valuing artists as a vital part of a culturally rich community promises a bright future for both the organization and the countless artists it serves.
What are your thoughts on the impact of organizations like Art Share LA on urban communities? Share your insights in the comments below, or explore more about how community arts incubators are transforming cities by reading our other articles on urban development and cultural preservation.
