The Arts Council of Greater Los Angeles has relaunched as an independent nonprofit organization, ending a 15-year affiliation with the Century City Chamber of Commerce. The move marks a new era for the organization, which seeks to foster an inclusive arts community and position Los Angeles as a global cultural capital.
To celebrate its independence, the Arts Council will host an inaugural event, "LA in Motion Now & Next: Reimagining Art, Access and Policy," on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 6 to 9 PM at the Wende Museum, Community Room, 10808 Culver Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90230. The event is free and open to the public, though seating is limited. Those interested can RSVP on Eventbrite.
The panel discussion will feature Maya Emsden, Executive Officer of Arts + Community Enrichment at LA Metro; Sarah Cifarelli, LAX Art Program Director; David Pagel of Claremont Graduate University Art Department; and moderator Catherine Wagley, a writer and art critic. A social reception will precede and follow the discussion.
The relaunch allows the Arts Council to expand its programming with a robust calendar of events designed to engage diverse audiences throughout Los Angeles. "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."
This development matters because it signals a strengthened commitment to arts accessibility and cultural policy in a region often overshadowed by its entertainment industry. By becoming independent, the Arts Council can deepen its role as a collaboration hub, connecting artists with patrons and advancing arts access for all. The focus on public art, access, and policy—highlighted by the panel's inclusion of representatives from LAX and LA Metro—suggests a broader effort to integrate art into the city's infrastructure and daily life.
The 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 of Skyview Concessions, Aucileia C. Rosa, Bravo Asset Securities, Candace Kentopian, Michael Heumann of Art Advisory & Law, Lipton Coins, Fine Art & Antiques, and Sada's Flowers. For more information, visit the Arts Council's website.
For the Long Beach and surrounding areas, this relaunch could mean increased opportunities for local artists and organizations to participate in regional programming. As the Arts Council expands its reach, it may foster new partnerships and initiatives that benefit the broader LA arts ecosystem, potentially influencing policy and funding decisions that impact public art and cultural access across the region.
