OV OLA Art Show

[mike chamness]

Hola...So tonight I hit the OLA GA and OLA Arts Committee mtg to answer their questions about the art show idea. Their arts crew has some new ideas/suggestions, but basically after reading the proposal to the entire GA there was big enthusiasm for a huge event on March 10th. About 3 other volunteers stepped up. And there should be no problem getting artists to throw down. We just need to clear a few philosophical hurdles re: some more contentious artists. 

Shepherd Fairey is a controversial figure among the OLA crew for numerous reasons (ie - making $ on occupy imagery, though he kicked down some cash for the cause this week). Getting the city to give back the big murals that covered the plaza will also be interesting, but we're ready to move forward with what was posted here last week. It's reposted below. The OV GA approved this 2 weeks back...And we'd love to see you at the OV Arts WG mtg at 8:30 Wed eve at Abbot's Habit for further input. Ideally reintroducing this to OLA for a final approval on Friday would work for the timeline. 

Mike C

What? - Occupy Venice proposes to co-coordinate an Occupy Art Show with OLA pending approval by the OLA General Assembly. The show would be held March 10th at the Vortex at Olympic & Santa Fe downtown and will include a few dozen contributing artists. An effort will be made to secure the murals from LA City Hall for the show. 

The costs for the event are estimated to be 1) $100 for the venue rental for a single evening, 2) a refundable $250 cleaning deposit, 3) and printing for flyers/showcards (donated, in-kind). The show will also serve as a benefit for the Center for the Study of Political Graphics. 

The show will include work created at OLA and inspired by the Occupy movement. 

How? - The Occupy Art Show will co-coordinated by members of OLA Arts committee and the OV Arts Working Group. Reservations and commitments for the venue need to be formalized ASAP to accommodate the promotion schedule. Artists will be recruited via online occupy websites & social media, craigslist, as well as through existing artist/gallery networks. The costs will be split between OLA & OV equally.

Promotion commitments have been formalized with the Cannibal Flower show network, the HIVE, LA Citizen Magazine, and Create Fixate. A DJ will be donating services. It will be an all-ages, alcohol-free public event and cost $5 at the door. Volunteer staff for the event will be recruited from area occupy groups. No special permits are required. 

Why? - The Occupy Art Show is being proposed to feature large and small scale art by artists from around the LA area interested in the occupy movement. The show will also hopefully provide an opportunity to display the city hall plaza murals currently being requested from the City of LA's Cultural Affairs Dep't. We hope the show may inspire the city to hand the work over to the show and back to the artists.