Providing Access to Creative Industry Employment

Access to tech and creative industry employment

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

In a city where one in six jobs is in the creative economy, it is essential for artists to have a community and a safe space to find inspiration, connection, and growth. However, artists in LA face many challenges. For example, according to a 2024 SMU Data Arts survey, 72% of art workers in LA age 18-24 identify as BIPOC and are more likely to be in non-supervisory positions. Hispanic/Latino/a/x workers have the widest gaps in representation relative to the county population (13% of arts and culture workers compare to 49% of the population). Given these systemic issues, there is a deep need to make their voices, experiences, and perspectives seen and heard.
This data should also be understood in the context of the pandemic and its lasting impact on the economy. Between 2019-2020, the arts sector shed more than 604,000 jobs and has not risen back to 2019 levels. At LACP, emerging BIPOC artists can gain work experience and chart a career path that will help them become creative leaders.

In response to the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic and systemic bias in arts and culture in Los Angeles, LACP expanded its Professional Development program and educational opportunities. LACP revamped these programs based on feedback from members and students via surveys and conversations with stakeholders. Our new programs include certificates, one-year tracks, mentorships, and community learning, in addition to open calls and portfolio reviews. LACP trains the next generation of professional creatives, giving them tools to be more competitive in the market and providing visibility for their work. Our Professional Development Program is now geared toward professional experience and community building, seeking to provide students with a network of peers, career-changing connections, and an unparalleled creative toolbox. Every year, LACP earmarks $160,000 in employment for working photographers and a safe space for artists to find their voice. With the support of its Board and donors, LACP set up “The Sugarshack Fund,” to provide application-based fellowships for LACP programs and support workshops at schools in South and East LA and Inglewood Parks and Rec. We seek your support to help meet the demands as the program continues to grow, so we can provide a creative home for more emerging voices and engage more professional instructors.

With increased support to our Professional Development and educational programs, we can deepen our impact on the cultural well-being of Los Angeles. Youth mentees and working photographers trained by LACP go beyond the Center’s ecosystem to organize exhibitions, work for businesses, publications, and the entertainment industry. They capture and share their views of this region, empowering audiences by reflecting their experiences and stories publicly.
Increased funding will allow LACP to train larger numbers of BIPOC and AAPI professionals and expand the reach of their perspectives through public programs and exhibitions that break down systemic barriers. LACP’s engagement organically creates opportunities for reflection and exploration around cultural heritage, traditions, and history. We collaborate with organizations such as Black Women Photographers, Inner-City Arts and Sovern Studio; by growing these sorts of connections, LACP will help enrich the cultural life of our County.

As an existing program, we use quantitative and qualitative measures to determine impact on an ongoing basis. Measures include KPIs around registrations, participation, engagement, membership, and renewal rates.
For qualitative analysis, we use surveys and evaluations forms (distributed at the end of each program),assess the feedback, and implement changes accordingly. Since 2019, students in our one-year and work-study programs have reported receiving job offers and freelance opportunities through contacts they have made at LACP, specifically through instructors.
LACP meets its Professional Development registration goals consistently. These include an average of 110 participants in annual portfolio reviews and an average of 120 submissions for each of the five open calls organized each year. In 2023, LACP’s revamped certificate programs drew 12 new students, and 8 students joined the mentorship program.