For the Community: LA Galleries

Art + Practice (A+P) was founded by legendary artist Mark Bradford as a space where art and service converge. Based in the Leimert Park neighborhood of South Los Angeles, A+P provides Angelenos with free access to museum-curated contemporary art exhibitions, organized by the California African American Museum. Their campus includes an exhibition space, a public programming venue for artist talks, panels, screenings, lectures, and workshops. Their space is also where social service providers like First Place for Youth are able to organize, offer housing opportunities, and case management services. A+P is making a real impact by inspiring the art world to expand the purpose of a cultural space.

Since 1973, Self Help Graphics has been at the intersection of arts and social justice. Rooted in Boyle Heights, the gallery and community space was founded by a group of Latinx printmakers. While Self Help Graphics continues to be known for its amazing printmaking studio, their exhibitions, workshops, special projects, and programming have become increasingly experimental, showcasing Latinx artists performing in all kinds of media. Angelenos across the city look forward to their Dia de los Muertos programming each year. From the 1980s until today, Self Help Graphics has maintained a reputation as a locus for the Los Angeles community of Chicanx and Latinx activists and artists.

Founded in 1988, 18th Street Arts Center has long been a hub for contemporary art in Los Angeles. With two locations in Santa Monica – the “18th Street Campus,” and “Airport Campus” at the Santa Monica Airport, 18th Street hosts an important artist residency program. Exhibitions by the resident artists’ are paired with public events with vibrant community engagement. Through artistic collaboration with local institutions and community groups, 18th Street gives space to traditionally excluded voices while challenging notions of art “expertise.”

Family owned and operated since its beginning in 1982, the Brewery Arts Complex took over the former Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewery, converting the huge industrial space into live/work spaces for artists. The complex spans 16 acres with 310 lofts, exhibition spaces, and restaurants/bars. Twice yearly, the Brewery Artwalk celebrates a massive art walk where resident artists open their studio doors to share their work, stage performances/installations, and even sell some pieces.

Founded by artist and curator Ozzie Juarez in South Central LA, Tlaloc Studios is a space made by artists, for artists. Tlaloc Studios is shared by 11 artists who work in studio spaces there, where they regularly hold exhibitions as well. The artists working in Tlaloc are brand new and wildly talented and ones to watch. Juarez founded Tlaloc Studios with the intention of both creating and serving a fresh artist community in South Central LA.