Performers are laborers, too

It’s Labor Day! This is a holiday that is “celebrated”, most often with burgers, hotdogs, sales on patio furniture and beating-the-heat summer fun, but is actually little acknowledged for its true purpose: it was established in the 19th century, to recognize the contributions of workers, and mark an awareness of the simple fact that some … Read more

Breaking News: CA opening earlier than expected

Californians from the Arts shares news from the state capitol: Governor Newsom has made a big announcement today, and one that is sure to send arts orgs and others scrambling to make and change plans. While most previous announcements seemed to focus on opening performances in the fall, the state’s updated plan to reopen businesses … Read more

Arts orgs take a stand

The importance of the organizational solidarity statement, particularly in the arts. We’ve seen a lot of signs recently — they’re everywhere, and both literal and symbolic. But one has taken precedence, and it is taking shape in windows, on websites, social media pages, in printed materials and on anything that will stand still. With the … Read more

Diversity and Inclusion: Learn more and take action

Want to learn more about Diversity and Inclusion? The world will need more experts in this discipline, now more than ever. These links can get you started: Here’s a list of 9 free online courses Americans for the Arts can help you find Equity Training Consultants OPERA America has gathered a collection of resources for … Read more

Time to speak up

Sharing this information from Chamber Music America (with thanks!). If ever there was a time for bipartisan action, it’s right now! Paid Leave Provisions Included in Bipartisan Federal COVID-19 Relief Package On Saturday, the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan COVID-19 relief package that includes:  mandated emergency paid leave for employees for qualified sick leave, … Read more

Coronavirus and the arts

It’s been a very rough week, and with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Wednesday night mandate that all gatherings of 250 people or more be canceled, at least through March 31st, most arts events across the state are on lockdown. We’ve posted today’s announcement from LA’s Music Center, closing all of the DTLA hub’s performing arts venues, … Read more

Speak up now about AB5

Echoing an important Facebook post here today. (You’ve Liked us on Facebook, right?) It’ll speak for itself: Want to learn more? There are lots of ways to get involved, and online groups that are sharing stories and organizing discussions. This group, the California Independent Music Professionals United, includes a whole lotta Listers already, and is … Read more

A new chair for the NEA

Historically, the person leading the National Endowment for the Arts has had significant influence over the way government funds are distributed to US artists and arts orgs, and has even had trendsetting powers in the way the public sees the arts. With a new Trump-appointed and now Senate-confirmed leader for our national arts funder and … Read more

LA’s Board of Sups invests in the arts

Any day local government stands up for the arts is a good day! See the very exciting news from the Arts Commission’s new chief below.  Email release follows. Historic Board Motion Affirms the Value of Arts & Culture in LA County MAY 18, 2018 A message from Kristin Sakoda Dear Colleagues, On Tuesday, May 15, … Read more

Kristin Sakoda comes to the West Coast as LA’s new arts chief

After many months of searching, the LA County Arts Commission has a new chief in New Yorker Kristin Sakoda, selected by the county’s Board of Supervisors after her well-respected service at NYC’s Department of Cultural Affairs. Sakoda takes over as of February 15, filling the position left in September by Laura Zucker, who was enormously successful in … Read more

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