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 signals a new era for the arts advocacy group, which now aims to foster a more inclusive arts community and solidify Los Angeles’s status as a global cultural capital. The relaunch will be marked by an inaugural event, “LA in Motion Now & Next: Reimagining Art, Access and Policy,” a panel discussion on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 6 to 9 PM at the Wende Museum’s Community Room in Culver City.
The decision to become a standalone entity is significant because it allows the Arts Council to expand its programming and engage diverse audiences across Los Angeles with a robust calendar of events. As an independent nonprofit, the organization can pursue partnerships and initiatives without the constraints of a chamber of commerce structure. According to Agnes Penot, The Arts Council Chair, “Our vision is to position Los Angeles not only as an entertainment capital, but as a true global arts capital. We aim to celebrate creativity, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure the arts are accessible to everyone through innovative programs and partnerships.” This ambition reflects a broader effort to elevate the arts in a city often overshadowed by its entertainment industry.
The inaugural panel discussion will feature prominent figures in the arts and policy spheres: Maya Emsden, Executive Officer of Arts + Community Enrichment at LA Metro; Sarah Cifarelli, LAX Art Program Director; David Pagel of Claremont Graduate University’s Art Department; and moderator Catherine Wagley, a writer and art critic. Their conversation will explore how art, access, and policy intersect in Los Angeles, addressing critical issues such as public art funding, transportation-related cultural programming, and equitable access to the arts. The event is free, though seating is limited, and interested attendees can RSVP on Eventbrite. A social reception will precede and follow the discussion, providing networking opportunities.
The Arts Council’s new independent status also means it will deepen its role as a collaboration hub, connecting artists with patrons and advancing arts access for all. This is crucial in a city as vast and diverse as Los Angeles, where disparities in arts funding and access persist. By operating independently, the Council can advocate more effectively for policies that support artists and cultural organizations. The event’s focus on policy underscores this commitment, as panelists will likely discuss how to integrate arts into urban planning, transit, and education.
Sponsors for the relaunch include Kline Academy of Fine Art as Patron Sponsor, with Associate Sponsors such as Art World Appraisals, Athletic Brewing Co., Century City News, KLEOS, and others. Their support indicates community backing for the Council’s new direction. For more information, visit the Arts Council’s website at https://www.artscouncil-la.org/.
The relaunch comes at a time when Los Angeles’s cultural landscape is evolving, with increasing recognition of the arts’ role in economic development and community well-being. By positioning itself as an independent entity, the Arts Council of Greater Los Angeles is poised to be a leading voice in shaping that future, ensuring that the arts remain accessible and central to the city’s identity.
