The Arts Council of Greater Los Angeles has relaunched as an independent nonprofit after 15 years under the Century City Chamber of Commerce, marking a new era of artistic collaboration and cultural impact in the city. The organization aims to foster an inclusive arts community and position Los Angeles as a global cultural capital, according to a press release.
As a standalone nonprofit, The Arts Council will expand its programming with a robust calendar of events designed to engage diverse audiences throughout Los Angeles. Its 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, Community Room, 10808 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90230. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Attendees can RSVP on Eventbrite.
The event will feature a panel discussion with Maya Emsden, Executive Officer, Arts + Community Enrichment, LA Metro; Sarah Cifarelli, LAX Art Program Director; David Pagel, Claremont Graduate University Art Department; and moderator Catherine Wagley, Writer and Art Critic. A social reception will precede and follow the panel.
"Our vision is to position Los Angeles not only as an entertainment capital, but as a true global arts capital," said Agnes Penot, The Arts Council Chair. "We aim to celebrate creativity, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure the arts are accessible to everyone through innovative programs and partnerships."
The relaunch matters because it signals a broader effort to strengthen Los Angeles's cultural infrastructure at a time when arts organizations nationwide face funding and access challenges. By becoming an independent entity, The Arts Council can deepen its role as a collaboration hub, connecting artists with patrons and advancing arts access for all. This shift could lead to more diverse programming and partnerships that benefit local artists, cultural institutions, and audiences across the region.
The inaugural panel's focus on art, access, and policy highlights key issues facing the sector, including transportation to cultural venues, public art at airports, and academic engagement. Discussions like these can influence how policymakers and institutions approach arts funding and accessibility, potentially shaping future initiatives in Los Angeles and beyond.
The Arts Council's event is supported by Patron Sponsor Kline Academy of Fine Art and Associate Sponsors including Art World Appraisals, Athletic Brewing Co., Century City News, KLEOS, QuickTales, Apryl Stewart, Skyview Concessions, Aucileia C. Rosa, Bravo Asset Securities, Candace Kentopian, Michael Heumann, Art Advisory & Law, Lipton Coins, Fine Art & Antiques, and Sada's Flowers.
For more information, visit https://www.artscouncil-la.org/.
