The Power of the Arts

June 4, 2019 9:48 AM
by Allison Ostrovsky

A version of this article originally appeared in the June edition of Seascape. 

In ways both big and small, the arts have a positive impact on the lives of Santa Monicans. Whether attending an opening at a gallery or singing in a local choir, the arts help us express ourselves, connect with our community, and see our environment in new ways.

April was Arts Month, and provided a time to spotlight and celebrate the positive contributions that the arts make to our communities. One way the City celebrated Arts Month was to recognize six Arts Leaders who are having an impact throughout the City. The City continues to promote, showcase and support the arts on a daily basis to ensure that the city continues to be fertile ground for creativity.

As part of its commitment to supporting artists, we provide both individual and project fellowships that recognize and fund local artists. Art in the Parks features outdoor performances throughout the City through September, including the Meet Me at Reed and Jazz on the Lawn summer concert series.

And be sure to start thinking about participating in this year’s COAST, the City ’s annual Open Streets event. This year, for its fourth iteration, COAST will celebrate all the ways people get around without cars and will showcase the self-expression and creativity of participants. Artist-led workshops leading up to the event will provide the community with opportunities to participate in creating artworks that will be featured at the event, as well as opportunities to create unique embellishments for your own ride. More than two miles of Santa Monica streets will become a communal gathering space for strollers, bikers, and rollers alike to come together and build a more people-powered and sustainable Santa Monica on Sunday, September 15, 2019. For more info, visit santamonica.gov/coast.

Authored By

Allison Ostrovsky
Cultural Affairs Supervisor