The Department of Cultural Affairs’ (DCA) mission is to strengthen quality of life in the City of Los Angeles by stimulating and supporting cultural services and ensuring access to such activities for residents and visitors. DCA advances the social and economic impact of the arts and ensures access to diverse cultural activities through: grantmaking, marketing, public art administration, and educational offerings at a constellation of community art centers and two historic sites.

Overview

DCA grants approximately $2.5 million annually to approximately 300 artists and nonprofit arts organizations. The Department also provides arts and cultural programming in its numerous neighborhood arts centers and theaters, and creates several arts and education programs for young people. It directs public art projects and manages the City’s Arts Development Fee, % for Arts Program, Art Collection, and Murals Program.  DCA markets the City’s cultural events through development and collaboration with strategic partners, design and production of creative promotional materials, and management of the culturela.org website.

Core Values

Access

We are committed to providing arts and culture as a public service, insuring that all Angelinos have access to programming in their neighborhoods and communities.

Equity

Our selection and enrollment processes are fair and equitable. All eligible participants, artists, arts organizations, and cultural providers are encouraged to partake in DCA opportunities. When applying for limited competitive opportunities, proposals will be evaluated through transparent review processes.

Excellence

We endorse, support, and provide high-quality arts programming to the residents and visitors of Los Angeles.

Efficiency

We will offer the best customer service, supplying information and delivering resources proficiently and with care.

Vision Statement

The City of Los Angeles is committed to supporting its diverse arts and cultural communities and embracing creativity as its signature industry. The City, through DCA, provides Angelenos and visitors with extraordinary artistic experiences to exceed its potential as the creative crossroads of the world.