L.A. Arts Month officially kicks off today

Los Angeles likes to call itself the "creative capital of the world" -- a boast that is certain to raise eyebrows in cities like New York, San Francisco, London or Paris.

But could the claim actually be true? A recent study titled the 2009 Otis Report on the Creative Economy says one in every six people in the L.A. region is employed in a creative field. In addition, L.A. organizations in the creative field earned an estimated  $121 billion in revenues in 2008, while those in Orange County accounted for an estimated $18 billion.

The study's definition of "creative field" is broad and includes the entertainment industry, as well as digital media and self-employed artists. (The study was conducted with the participation of the L.A. County Economic Development Corp. -- not exactly a neutral party when it comes to shaping public awareness of the region.)

Whether you believe L.A.'s claim to cultural supremacy, it's hard to deny how far the city has come in the fields of arts and culture. Today, the city officially kicks of L.A. Arts Month, an annual celebration of the area's visual and performing arts. Organized by more than 30 local arts groups and political organizations, the event is essentially a concerted marketing effort to raise awareness of the area's cultural offerings.

We'll have more from this morning's official kick-off ceremony later today. But for now, check out some of the L.A. Arts Month events, exhibitions and performances happening around town this month.

-- David Ng

Photo: A view of the central garden at the Getty Center. Credit: Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Donald Frazell]

Typical LA, doesnt even have the press relase ready, two of the areas say check back in December for information(when, in 11 months?) and has too many movies, thats not art its entertainment, and a book release about Warren Beatty, have we really fallen THAT far? Rhetorical question, answer is right here.

This isnt art, its parties and movies, to go with thebWarads season coming up giving people somthing to do, not something to feel.

For gods sake, at least TRY to be professional, if you cant be a true artist. Weak. Typical illusion over substance, that is LA. Where's the beef?

art collegia delenda est

[Natalie]

"...it's hard to deny how far the city has come in the fields of arts and culture." This is exactly why I love this city. L.A. gets a bad rap sometimes, but we are a highly creative city. Plus the weather is fantastic. How can you not love it here?

[jerry]

My observation is that cities which are in fact world class don't have to describe themselves as such. But I agree that you can't beat the weather here.

[erik self]

...L.A will always be a cultural hole, unless of course they eventually recognize my incredible brilliance!..Erik Self

[Asim]

I guess Jerry you will now be mounting a one-man campaign to stop CNN/Money, CNBC and Fox business correspondents from saying "New York - Business Capital of the world" and same thing for the BBC/Sky for uttering the same worlds about London.

Do us a favor and stay on the East Coast.

[Donald Frazell]

Creative capital, maybe. But through entertainment, not art. We are movies, pop music, and computer graphics, no art. Both are needed, but art? No. Where is arts capital? God knows, seems to have left the building, along with arts constant striving to embody and develop the only concept that counts, God itself.

art collegia delenda est

[jerry]

Asim,

LA is a great place. I love the weather here, particularly this time of year, but it is a creative center only if you consider Hollywood rehashes creative. The art scene is decent but limited and far too connected to the art schools. The music scene is a bit more interesting. Theatre is actually good. But London and Berlin help the arts. California as a whole is unable to do that. For any city to be a creative center it needs to have a network, a center. LA can't have that since it is the creation of real estate developers. I'd love to get on the LA bandwagon but it's too far to drive.

[mezzanine2]

As a visitor, it's possible to focus on checking out some of the cultural highlights of Los Angeles: a performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall, a visit to the Getty Center or to MOCA.

However, when visitors (and residents) are brainwashed into thinking that all there is to Los Angeles is theme parks and malls, it's a bit of a tough sell. I do agree, for it to be a bit of culture hub, one needs a center or a destination to pull people in. What would also be desirable is the ability to get around by foot, transit or by bike to check out some of L.A.'s attractions.

[Charity]

Please note that the LA Arts Month website is http://www.laartsmonth.org