Cultivating Creativity: Funding Opportunities for LA's Emerging Entertainers

Access to tech and creative industry employment

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The issue ArtBar LA seeks to address is the lack of financial support and accessible performance spaces for emerging artists in Los Angeles. Many talented local entertainers struggle to find platforms where they can showcase their work, gain exposure, and build their careers without incurring significant costs. This lack of resources and opportunities can hinder their artistic development and limit their potential impact on the community. By subsidizing these artists and providing them with a professional venue, ArtBar LA aims to bridge this gap and foster a thriving arts scene in Los Angeles.

ArtBar LA’s initiative, funded by this grant, will create a comprehensive support program for emerging local artists. The program aims to address the financial barriers and lack of accessible performance spaces that many talented entertainers face. By subsidizing performance fees, ArtBar LA will ensure that artists are compensated for their work, or alternatively, can access the venue at no cost for hosting their own events for friends, family, and the community.
In addition to financial support, the program will provide a range of resources designed to enhance the artists' professional development and the quality of their performances. These resources include marketing support to promote their events across social media and local networks, professional sound and lighting equipment to ensure high-quality performances, and dedicated event management to facilitate smooth execution and logistics.
As a co-owner of Thinkspace Projects and founder of Cannibal Flower Art Shows and Performance Space, co-owner of ArtBar LA Leonard Croskey (LC) has been supporting emerging artists for over 20 years. Many LA artists have launched their careers at these shows. ArtBar LA is a continuation of this movement. Alongside LC, ArtBar LA will organize workshops and networking events, providing artists with opportunities to learn from industry professionals, collaborate with peers, and expand their artistic networks.

ArtBar LA will become a focal point for creativity, community, and entertainment, enriching the local arts scene and contributing to the county's cultural identity. By providing a platform for artists, musicians, and performers, ArtBar LA will foster a supportive environment for artistic expression, nurturing local talent and attracting diverse audiences. This cultural hub will not only enhance the quality of life for residents but also draw visitors from across the county and beyond, boosting tourism and stimulating economic growth in the area. Additionally, ArtBar LA's commitment to sustainability and community engagement will inspire other businesses and individuals to adopt similar practices, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout Los Angeles County.

As an existing project, ArtBar LA measures its impact through several key indicators:
Attendance: Monitoring the number of patrons attending events to gauge interest & engagement levels.
Artist Participation: Tracking the number of artists participating in events and the diversity of artistic styles represented.
Feedback and Testimonials: Collecting feedback from patrons, artists, and partners to understand their experiences and assess the impact of ArtBar LA on their artistic journeys.
Social Media and Website Analytics: Analyzing metrics such as website traffic, social media engagement, and newsletter sign-ups to gauge outreach and engagement.
Community Partnerships: Assessing the growth of partnerships with local artists, organizations, and businesses to measure the project's integration into the local community.
These measures provide tangible evidence of ArtBar LA's success in providing a platform for emerging artists and fostering a vibrant arts community in Los Angeles County.