RESEARCH IN THE ARTS

Beginning in 2019, Los Angeles Performance Practice conducted a study with national partners in grantmaking and fundraising on the ecosystem of contemporary performance-making in Los Angeles, as compared to other major cities in the state and country. The survey was conducted with support from the California Arts Council, and was carried out between August 2019 – May 2021, gathering and presenting data to compare and contrast sources of funding that contribute to contemporary performance making in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. 

This study was interrupted in March of 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic, which critically impacted the planned route of the project. The study involved twelve independent artists who provided case studies throughout the pandemic and into early 2022. Case study artists provided personal insight into their experiences approaching the resources and development work required to generate a new project. Beyond the original scope of analysis, we also examined data related to local government funding and COVID-19 relief funding available to artists in each area, as well as patterns in crowdsourcing and individual giving through data provided by Kickstarter. 

The preliminary results from this study were used as advocacy tools for foundations and funders, highlighting the unmet needs of Los Angeles-based artists. Early reports were shared with program directors from the MAP Fund, Creative Capital, the National Performance Network, and New England Foundation for the Arts. Meetings with each funding group also provided us with exceptional opportunities to advocate for better geographical distribution of arts resources from this body of funders.