Wednesday, October 4, 2023

L.A. County Board of Supervisors Unanimously Approves Barger’s Arts Support Motion Amid $4.1 Billion Revenue Loss

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a motion by Pasadena-area Supervisor Kathryn Barger to support the struggling arts sector, which is facing a potential $4.1 billion loss in revenues due to the pandemic and slow recovery.

Introduced by Barger, the motion aims to promote and support arts venues throughout the county.

Supervisor Barger emphasized the importance of these venues as shared communal spaces that reinforce mental and emotional well-being.

The motion directs the County’s Department of Arts and Culture to launch a social media promotional campaign and create a virtual map of arts programs for easy access by residents.

The motion also calls for several County departments that serve high numbers of the public – including Public Library, Parks and Recreation, and Beaches and Harbors – to take a more active role in promoting resources and events related to arts and culture.

The impact of the pandemic on the performing arts sector has not only affected the arts community but also public revenue. A 2023 report by CVL Economics revealed that state and local governments lost nearly $1 billion in tax revenue in 2021 alone due to the pandemic’s impact on the performing arts.

The motion received wide support from local arts venues and organizations, including Ophelia’s Jump, Inland Valley Repertory Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, Pasadena Conservatory of Music, A Noise Within, Skylight Theatre, NoHo Arts District, Stage Raw, Melodia Mariposa, Sierra Madre Playhouse, Lancaster Performing Arts Center, Palmdale Playhouse, Arts for LA , Center Theatre Group, the LA Phil, LA Opera and Fostering Dreams Project.