Arts and Culture as a Human Right in Los Angeles County

As arts, culture, and creativity have been proven to boost individual and community well-being, lack of access to them inherently hinders the development of a more just and equitable society. After all, how can we express ourselves if we have not been taught how to write creatively? How can we embrace differences if the only stories we’re told are our own?

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ARTIVISM: Our Responsibility in this Critical Moment

One outlet youth have used to cope with trauma, express frustration, and demand justice in this time has been art. Even in a time of national turmoil, young people have turned to the arts to reclaim their identity, change the narrative, and speak out when witnessing injustice. That is why it is troubling to see potential COVID-related budget cuts to many of the arts programs on which students rely. College students are forking over full tuition for performing arts courses held online. We want to provide safe, effective arts programming during the pandemic, but in this moment, is it enough? Who falls through the cracks?

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Conversations about Racism are Not Just Ages 18+

Our fourth installment features Khalia Davis, with our host Courtney J. Boddie from the Teaching Artistry with Courtney J. Boddie Podcast, who speaks about the importance of representation. Using herself as a symbol of solidarity, Khalia hopes that individuals who look like her will cease to question their sense of belonging within the arts. Overall, she views the arts as a form of action to amplify and empower marginalized communities.

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