How can pst art: art & science collide transform los angeles’ cultural landscape?

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, a cornerstone of Latinx culture in Los Angeles, is one of three PST ART Community Hubs participating in The Getty’s PST ART: Art & Science Collide. This landmark event, running from mid-September 2024 through early 2025, aims to explore the intersection of art and science through a series of public programs and a two-gallery exhibition. The initiative is a collaborative effort with nine community partners, each contributing their unique perspectives and expertise to this multifaceted project.

Community Partners and Their Contributions

The nine community partners involved in this initiative include:

– *Art Space Huntington Park: An art gallery that uses culture, visual and performing arts, and arts education to inspire creativity in its community.
– Columbia Memorial Space Center: A science museum that strives to ignite a community of critical and creative thinkers through world-class programs and engaging exhibits.
– Garden School Foundation: A non-profit that provides garden-based education to children at ten Title I elementary schools across Los Angeles.
– Las Fotos Project: A community-based arts and literacy program that elevates the voices of teenage girls and gender-expansive youth from communities of color through photography and mentoring.
– Meztli Projects: An indigenous-based arts and culture group that addresses the severe lack of artistic opportunities for Native and Indigenous artists as well as systems-impacted youth living and creating in Los Angeles County (Tovaangar).
– Mujeres de Maíz: A women of color spiritual artivist organization promoting holistic wellness through education, programming, exhibition, and publishing.
– Pacoima Beautiful: An environmental justice organization that provides education, impacts local policy, and supports local arts and culture to promote a healthy and sustainable San Fernando Valley.
– Stay Arts Gallery: A community-led art gallery and creative space located in the heart of Downtown Downey that serves as a central gathering place for local artists, youth, and families.
– Tía Chucha Centro Cultural: A space for wellness and empowerment to address the blatant neglect of a historically marginalized community.

Public Programs and Educational Initiatives

Starting on September 13, 2024, and continuing through April 27, 2025, LA Plaza will host a variety of public programs co-developed with the community partners. These programs will highlight topics such as food sovereignty, Indigenous sciences, sustainable gardening, science exploration, and self-expression through photography. Techniques in artmaking, including screen printing, stamp making, and zine making, will also be featured.

One of the standout events is the Fiestas Patrias Family Day on September 15, 2024, which will bring together community partners to celebrate Mexican and Mexican-American culture. This event will serve as a platform for families to reaffirm their heritage and identity.

Educational programs will include an open house for K-12 educators focusing on exploring the STEAM curriculum. Select neighborhood schools near the chosen community partners will receive bus grants for K-12 classrooms to participate in STEAM workshops and guided school tours hosted at LA Plaza. This initiative aims to make these enriching experiences accessible to a broader audience.

Two-Part Interactive Exhibition

The two-gallery exhibition at LA Plaza will be a central feature of the PST ART initiative. The first gallery, Conexiones: Cultivating Community Action, will serve as a collaborative and informational meeting space for community partners, artists, and the public. This space will facilitate dialogue, idea exchange, and solution-building for future community actions. Art, film, photography, creative writing, and oral histories will guide the storytelling, inviting community members to share their creative expressions through interactive stations.

The second gallery will feature Louis Verdad: Tonāntzín*, a commissioned artwork by Mexican-American fashion designer Louis Verdad. This installation will showcase a 9-foot visage of the Mesoamerican goddess Tonāntzín, accompanied by a multimedia presentation of Mama Tierra. The exhibit will explore themes of duality, creation and destruction, shifting identity, and environmental justice. Visitors will be invited to gather around the goddess-mother and contemplate their roles as protectors and stewards of the Earth.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city brimming with cultural and artistic experiences, and LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is a testament to this vibrant landscape. For occasional travelers, we recommend immersing yourself in the diverse programs and exhibitions offered by LA Plaza. These events provide a unique opportunity to engage with the local community and explore the rich tapestry of Latinx culture.

For expert travelers, consider delving deeper into the city’s lesser-known cultural hubs and community centers. Los Angeles is home to numerous organizations and spaces that celebrate and preserve the diverse cultural heritage of its residents. Exploring these hidden gems can offer a more nuanced and enriching travel experience.

In conclusion, the PST ART: Art & Science Collide initiative at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is a must-visit for anyone interested in the intersection of art, science, and community engagement. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this event promises to inspire and educate, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural and scientific contributions of the Los Angeles community.