The Arts Council of Greater Los Angeles has relaunched as an independent nonprofit organization, ending its 15-year affiliation with the Century City Chamber of Commerce. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the arts community in Los Angeles, allowing the Council to operate autonomously and pursue a broader mission of fostering an inclusive arts environment and elevating the city’s status as a global cultural capital.
As a standalone entity, the Arts Council plans to expand its programming with a robust calendar of events designed to engage diverse audiences across Los Angeles. The inaugural event, “LA in Motion Now & Next: Reimagining Art, Access and Policy,” will take place 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 discussion 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. A social reception will precede and follow the discussion, providing networking opportunities.
Agnes Penot, Chair of The Arts Council, emphasized the organization’s 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 rebranding and expansion come at a critical time when arts funding and access are increasingly under threat, making the Council’s role as a collaboration hub more vital than ever.
The Council’s independence allows it to deepen its engagement with artists, patrons, and the community, advocating for arts access for all. By connecting artists with patrons and advancing policy discussions, the Arts Council seeks to drive cultural impact and ensure the arts remain a central part of Los Angeles’s identity. The inaugural event exemplifies this mission by bringing together thought leaders to explore the intersections of art, access, and policy.
Sponsors for the event include Patron Sponsor Kline Academy of Fine Art and Associate Sponsors such as Art World Appraisals, Athletic Brewing Co., Century City News, KLEOS, QuickTales, and others. For more information about the Arts Council and its programs, visit https://www.artscouncil-la.org/.
The relaunch signals a new era for arts advocacy in Los Angeles, positioning the organization to better serve the diverse creative community and reinforce the city’s cultural significance on a global scale.
