Massive Emergency Fund Launched for Artists Affected By Fires

The Los Angeles arts community rallies to support artists affected by devastating wildfires with a $12 million emergency fund.

At a Glance

Major LA museums and foundations have launched a $12 million emergency fund for fire-affected artists.
The fund aims to provide immediate support for housing, food, and clothing.
The Center for Cultural Innovation will manage and administer the fund.
Applications for emergency grants open Monday at www.cciarts.org.
The initiative marks significant collaboration within the LA arts community.

LA Arts Community Unites in Face of Disaster

Los Angeles’ arts community has come together to launch a $12 million emergency fund for artists and arts workers devastated by recent wildfires. This initiative, spearheaded by major cultural institutions and foundations, demonstrates the resilience and unity of the city’s creative sector in the face of natural disasters.

The fund, known as the L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, is supported by heavyweight institutions including the J. Paul Getty Trust, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), and the Hammer Museum. This collaborative effort aims to provide crucial support to artists who have lost homes or studios, as well as arts workers whose livelihoods have been impacted by the wildfires.

L.A. museums launch $12-million emergency fund for artists hit by the fires https://t.co/vfnN2aMeRW

— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) January 15, 2025

Wide-Ranging Support and Management

The scope of support for this initiative extends far beyond local institutions. Global organizations and individual philanthropists have also stepped up to contribute. Notable donors include East West Bank, the Mellon and Helen Frankenthaler foundations, the Andy Warhol Foundation, Qatar Museums, and the Ford Foundation. Even the family foundation of Melody Hobson and George Lucas has joined the cause, underscoring the far-reaching impact of the LA arts scene.

To ensure efficient and fair distribution of funds, the nonprofit Center for Cultural Innovation has been tasked with managing and administering the relief effort. This organization’s experience in supporting artists makes it well-suited to handle the complexities of such a large-scale emergency fund.

Immediate Relief and Long-Term Vision

The L.A. Arts Community Fire Relief Fund is designed to address both immediate and long-term needs of affected artists and arts workers. In the short term, the fund will provide financial assistance for essential needs such as housing deposits, clothing, and food for fire victims. This rapid response is crucial for those who have lost everything in the devastating wildfires.

Looking ahead, the initiative also considers the long-term rebuilding efforts that will be necessary. Funds will be distributed in phases over months or years, ensuring sustained support for the arts community as it recovers and rebuilds. This approach recognizes that the impact of such disasters extends far beyond the immediate aftermath.

How to Apply for Assistance

Fire-affected artists and arts workers can begin applying for emergency grants starting Monday. Applications will be accepted through the Center for Cultural Innovation’s website at www.cciarts.org. This accessibility ensures that those in need can quickly and easily seek the support they require during this challenging time.

The launch of this $12 million emergency fund represents a significant milestone in the LA arts community’s response to the wildfire crisis. It demonstrates the power of collective action and the deep-rooted commitment to preserving and supporting the city’s vibrant cultural landscape, even in the face of adversity. As the fund continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a testament to the resilience and solidarity of Los Angeles’ creative spirit.