I am writing to you from a place of clarity and renewal. As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” we've seen our fair share of showers but are finally starting to see our flowers bloom. It has been a period of rest and transformation for our organization. These past few years have been that of grief, uncertainty, and collective burnout, but through our passion and resilience, we are ready for this new season of possibilities. To that end, this Director’s Letter reflects on the events of 2023, the LA arts scene, and the recent fair season of Frieze and EXPO Chicago- all proving why we need audacity. 

As a Black woman arts leader, it is important to me that this organization recognizes the intersections of our community. This was the idea behind our Art For The Climb exhibitions, which we presented through our partnership with Hilltop Coffee & Kitchen. Intersectionality will always be relevant as we represent the life stories, lineage, and creative innovation of artists of color. The nuances of one’s identity, artwork, and audience can not be overlooked and as a curator, I care to represent such stories with integrity and authenticity. I’ll admit both have become buzzwords in our industry, but what does it mean to truly be authentic and collaborate with integrity? These are questions that I’m constantly asking myself with new understanding from the shining stars of our industry who are leading by example.

The glitz and glamor of Hollywood, attract a lot of these art stars to LA. Artsy, Cultured, Elephant and the like have covered the nuances of the ever-evolving, always-alluring Los Angeles art world from blue-chip galleries moving west to local voices creating waves. I love seeing Black artists and professionals get their flowers, from long overdue museum shows to record-breaking sales and prestigious placements and awards. 

As much as there is to celebrate, there are also events of contention such as copyright infringement, predatory agreements, undervaluing artistic labor, and lack of resources. I’ve personally experienced and often hear stories from artists about individuals and opportunities that offer one thing and the reality is grossly different. Too often, I’ve had to defend my human rights, and as an outspoken Black woman in this business, I'm faced with the expectation to code-switch or join the status quo. I am tired of the transactional, opportunistic, exploitative, and inhumane practices of this industry. We must be audacious about holding our institutions, organizations, and “powers that be” to task - hiding behind economic, social, or cultural capital can not persist. We must consider the artist and arts worker/art professional as valuable as we do the objects and services we contribute, collect, and covet.  

All of this to say, we must get real and honest about how this industry lacks to serve and represent with authentic, trustworthy, equitable, transparent, and sustainable business practices in mind. It is through selfless community care, difficult dialogue, and crucial creative conversations that we change the status quo of the art world. To forge paths of accessibility so that artistic career success seems not only possible, and viable, but the only way forward. With this mindset, I look forward to the future of the art world for our organization and others, stay tuned for what blessings will bloom this season!

Walk down memory lane, check out our exhibition archive and donate today; your support is truly appreciated. 

Sincerely,

Anefertiti Bowman