The Los Angeles Gallery Association, an association of about 100 galleries formed in 2020, released an open letter Friday night calling on the art community to remain engaged amid ongoing fires at Eaton, Hearst and Palisades , support and solidarity with the city.
“Los Angeles has faced devastating losses over the past week as a result of the devastating wildfires that have devastated our city,” the letter reads. “In moments like these, the arts community’s unique strengths as a tight-knit, interconnected community become even more apparent. . We sincerely appreciate the care and support from all sides.”
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“As members of the Gallery Association of Los Angeles (GALA), we have been in close contact with our local colleagues. Over the coming weeks, the artists, art workers, galleries, museums, non-profits and affiliated vendors who make up our arts community (Many of whom have lost everything) will be returning to work. While it’s not business as usual, our businesses and organizations are still open and operating.”
The letter was written by Tim Blum, David Kordansky, Regen Project’s Shaun Caley, and Hannah Hoffman , Shulamit Nazarian and Seth Curcio, among other major Los Angeles dealers, signed on, further asking the art community to contribute to relief efforts by “participating in exhibitions and actively Support the artists and spaces that shape our cultural landscape.”
Other signatories include Felix Art Fair founder Mills Morán, Al Morán and Dean Wallen, managing director and head of private banking at East West Bank Dean Valentine Agnes Lew; Chris Sharp Sharp, founder of the Santa Monica Post Office Art Fair, which launches next month; blue-chip galleries including Pace, Hauser & Wirth, David Zwirner, Lisson, Marian Goodman and Perrotin ; local institutions such as MOCA LA and ICA LA; and many other galleries.
“Through conversations with a variety of artists, arts workers, gallerists and institutional leaders, including many who have lost their homes and workspaces, it’s clear that there is a desire on all sides to get back into business,” artist and co-organizer Katherine Kathryn Andrews said. Grief and Hope, a fundraiser that supports the Los Angeles arts community, has raised more than $480,000 to date, said in a statement. “Los Angeles has strong networks and a great community spirit. Without a successful economy, diverse actors cannot support each other.”
Just a few hours before GALA published its open letter, Frieze announced that the sixth Los Angeles Art Fair would be held as planned from February 20th to 23rd. The event has the support of city officials and local tourism agencies, and the fair is partnering with local hotels to house attendees, Frieze said. Frieze also announced that it is a founding donor to the Los Angeles Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, which provides financial assistance to artists and arts workers affected by wildfires.
“Your presence at Frieze Los Angeles will help expand this support and bolster the resilience of the city’s extraordinary cultural community,” Frieze said in a letter to guests of honor on Friday.
As of Friday, the Greater Los Angeles fires have killed at least 24 people, burned more than 40,000 acres, and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. More than 170,000 people remain under evacuation orders. While winds in Santa Ana eased this week, allowing firefighters to work to contain the blazes, the National Weather Service warned that dangerous fire conditions could return next week. On Monday, California Governor Gavin Newson proposed a $2.5 billion fund for emergency response and recovery efforts, calling it a “Marshall Plan” for Los Angeles.
The full text of GALA’s letter is as follows:
To our art world community in Los Angeles and beyond,
Los Angeles has faced devastating losses over the past week as destructive wildfires swept across the city. In moments like these, the art world’s unique strengths as a tight-knit, interconnected community become even more apparent. We sincerely appreciate the care and support from all sides.
As members of the Gallery Association of Los Angeles (GALA), we maintain close ties with our local counterparts. Over the next few weeks, the artists, arts workers, galleries, museums, nonprofits, and affiliated vendors who make up our arts community—many of whom have lost everything—will be returning to work. Most already are. While nothing is normal, our businesses and organizations remain open and operating.
GALA is committed to providing practical aid and support to those most affected by the fires – individuals, families and communities within and beyond the arts community. To assist with these efforts, we are updating the resources on our website and encourage you to contribute to the following important relief efforts:
The Los Angeles arts community has long been a testament to resilience, collaboration, and vision. While we are optimistic about the future of this city, your participation is crucial. It’s important that we work together to prevent wildfire devastation from further fueling instability. By attending exhibitions, contributing to disaster relief efforts, and actively supporting the artists and spaces that shape our cultural landscape, you can help us keep this extraordinary place alive.
We are grateful to everyone who has given support and shown solidarity. Together we will continue to cultivate the creativity and talent that make Los Angeles a truly unique city.
With a grateful heart,
Galleries Association of Los Angeles (GALA)
