Barger Urges Support of Performance, Arts, and Cultural Venues to Boost Arts Economy

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Oct. 3 approved a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger that will launch a countywide effort to promote and support the arts sector — which has been notably struggling to recover since COVID-19 restrictions drove down attendance and associated revenues.  

The losses experienced by the arts sector has had a ripple effect on many industries — including public revenue. According to a 2023 report by CVL Economics on California’s live performing arts sector, state and local governments lost nearly $1 billion in tax revenue due to pandemic impacts on the performing arts in 2021 alone. If current trends continue, the report notes the losses could skyrocket to $4.1 billion over a four-year period that culminates in 2023.  

The motion directs the county’s Department of Arts and Culture to launch a social media promotional campaign and to create a virtual map of arts programs so that residents can easily locate arts programming in their neighborhoods and attend.   

Supervisor Barger’s motion also directs 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 in Los Angeles County. 

Supervisor Barger’s motion was received with wide support and appreciation from a wide array of local arts venues and organizations.

A link to the letters of support submitted backing Supervisor Barger’s motion can be accessed here.