Preconferences
Measuring Impact and Translating Value: Support for Individual Artists
Sunday, October 18
Maker City LA/The Reef
A series of dialogues and conversations about the ways funders allow, assess, and expect different outcomes from various grants to diverse kinds of independent artists. The big data revolution is here, fostering new types of counting and accountability; yet the nature of the arts is not purely quantifiable.
More information on this preconference
Investing in Filmmakers: Arts and Media
Sunday, October 18
Paramount Pictures Studios
Documentary filmmaking has become a go-to art form for funders, activists and advocates seeking to find an audience and support for their issues of concern. This preconference will be an opportunity to understand this dynamic and quickly evolving filmmaking landscape that is comprised of a diversity of approaches, mediums, and development-through-dissemination activities. We will provide a broad overview of funding and impact opportunities in short- and long-form films, nonfiction and narrative storytelling, and impact-focused and artful documentaries. In addition, the session will introduce topics currently being discussed and debated — how to realize impact through a deep investment in art, the fast-moving and developing world of action campaigns, the focus on impact measurement, innovative uses of technology to engage audiences in new ways, and the long arc of filmmaking support.
The premise of GIA’s engagement on this topic is to introduce these issues through a filmmaker-first perspective: What do they need to achieve the kind of artistry that will touch hearts and minds? Presenters include filmmakers Cori Shepherd Stern, Jeff Malmberg, and Chris Shellen, Cara Mertes, Director of Ford Foundation’s JustFilms program, and Tabitha Jackson, Director of Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program (with more presenters to be announced). Angie Kim, president and CEO of the Center for Cultural Innovation in Los Angeles, will facilitate the day. The preconference will be at Paramount Pictures Studios and includes a tour of the grounds of over a century of Hollywood cinematic and television history.
More information on this preconference
Los Angeles Cultural and Community Tour
Sunday, October 18
This special event is a chance to explore three quintessential inner-city LA neighborhoods and visit the diverse cultural organizations and landmarks that help define them. We will begin with breakfast at the Biltmore Hotel and then board a bus for a day of cultural and community exploration, including:
The Leimert Park Neighborhood is known as the cultural and artistic hub for African-Americans in Los Angeles. During the walking tour, you will have the opportunity to visit:
- Eso Won Books
- KAOS Network
- The World Stage
- LA Commons
- and, the recently restored historic Vision Theatre
- Mercado La Paloma for no-host lunch
- Watts Towers of Simon Rodia and the Watts Tower Arts Center
End the day at the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument (map of El Pueblo) including historic Olvera Street. While touring this oldest part of downtown LA, you’ll be able to visit numerous cultural organizations, historic buildings, shop, or relax with a refreshing drink. Highlights include:
- Anji Gaspar-Milanovic, LA County Arts Commission
- James Herr, California Community Foundation
- Jim McDonald, Grantmakers in the Arts