Illuminate graphics designed by David Hernandez, Taller Para Nosotros.
Across the US, it is increasingly acknowledged that artworks and monuments have the power to inspire or perpetuate harmful histories that exclude the rich and diverse history of communities. Interventions of civic artworks in Los Angeles and beyond have prompted conversations about the evolution and representation of cultural memory. This panel will include public art leaders and historians who will discuss their roles in the current dialogue about monuments, offer historical context to related artworks and monuments, and shine a light on approaches and programs that support equitable and inclusive futures of public art collections.
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Anuradha Vikram | Cultural Organizer - Curative Projects
Welcome Remarks
Grace Ramirez Gaston | Civic Art Director - LA County Department of Arts and Culture
Dr. D’Artagnan Scorza | Executive Director for Racial Equity for LA County
Panel
Dr. Alison Rose Jefferson | Historian and Heritage Conservation Consultant - Belmar History + Art Project
Desireé Reneé Martinez, MA, RPA, Gabrielino (Tongva) | Tribal Archaeologist
Naomi Okuyama | Cultural Affairs Supervisor - City of Santa Monica
Kristin Sakoda | Director - LA County Department of Arts and Culture
Dr. Charlene Villaseñor Black | Professor, Art History and Chicana/o Studies - University of California Los Angeles
About Illuminate LA
Illuminate LA is a new initiative of the LA County Department of Arts and Culture to shed light on the collective and complex history and memory of LA County by exploring the County’s Civic Art Collection and public artworks across the region. With panel discussions, events, and artist engagements, Illuminate LA will uplift promising practices and examples of civic art that support greater cultural equity and inclusion, and expand opportunities for diverse artists diverse artists underrepresented in public art.